Edwin J. Feulner, founder of The Heritage Foundation and a towering figure in the modern conservative movement, has passed away at the age of 83.
Feulner led the organization for 37 years, transforming it from a small policy shop into one of Washington’s most influential think tanks—fueling the Reagan Revolution and shaping conservative policy for decades.
A Legacy of Conservative Leadership
Feulner launched The Heritage Foundation in 1973, building it into a powerhouse that delivered bold, commonsense, Constitution-based solutions to lawmakers.
He played a key role in crafting the Reagan agenda, pushing for tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong national defense—all rooted in American founding principles.
Feulner authored nine books and mentored generations of conservative leaders. His philosophy was summed up in a phrase he often repeated:
“You win through multiplication and addition, not through division and subtraction.”
Honoring His Vision
Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts and Board Chair Barb Van Andel-Gaby released a joint statement on Friday:
“Feulner was a visionary patriot whose deep love for America and commitment to its founding shaped the conservative movement. His legacy is not just the institution he built, but the movement he helped grow—rooted in faith, family, freedom, and the founding.”
They recalled his bold optimism, discipline, and moral clarity. He was known for reminding staff that:
“In Washington, there are no permanent victories and no permanent defeats.”
His words and values still echo throughout the halls of Heritage, where staff call his wisdom “Feulnerisms.”
Among them:
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“People are policy.”
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“Be proactive, not reactive.”
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“Onward!” – his signature sign-off.
A Movement Builder
Feulner believed in “big-tent conservatism”—a unifying vision that brought together different corners of the right.
He founded the Heritage Strategy Forum and chaired gatherings like the Philadelphia Society, where conservative ideas were refined and advanced.
Under his leadership, Heritage pioneered the concept of “briefcase-ready” policies—immediate-use proposals crafted for conservative lawmakers. This model is now standard among serious policy shops.
Remembered, Respected, and Missed
Feulner is survived by his wife Linda, their two children, and three grandchildren.
His life’s mission continues through the work of the Heritage Foundation and the thousands of leaders he equipped to defend liberty across the nation.
“His legacy will never be forgotten. We will carry it forward,” Roberts said.
