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Heritage Foundation Co-Founder Edwin Feulner Jr. Dies at 83

His death coincides with Heritage’s commitment to Project 2025, continuing his policy-brief model despite a recent shift toward tariff-driven MAGA isolationism under President Kevin Roberts.

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Overview

  • Edwin J. Feulner Jr. died on July 18 at 83, prompting reflection on his more than 50-year impact on conservative policymaking.
  • He co-founded the Heritage Foundation in 1973 and as president grew it from nine staffers to 300 employees, half a million supporters and a nine-figure budget.
  • He pioneered the “briefcase test,” producing concise policy reports such as the 1980 Mandate for Leadership that underpinned Ronald Reagan’s agenda.
  • His fusionist vision united foreign-policy hawks, Christians, classical liberals, nationalists and strict constitutionalists while his mentorship forged generations of conservative leaders.
  • Under President Kevin Roberts, Heritage has embraced MAGA isolationism and tariff advocacy even as the organization pledges to advance Feulner’s policy framework through Project 2025.