Edwin Feulner, ‘Heritage Foundation’s George Washington,’ Dies at 83

Edwin J. Feulner, the co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has died at the age of 83. The foundation announced his passing, praising him as a visionary leader who helped shape the modern conservative movement and whose influence extended into the highest levels of government.

Feulner, who was the longest-serving president of the Heritage Foundation, was widely considered a key architect of the Reagan Revolution and a powerful force in shaping Republican policy for decades. He was known for pioneering a new approach for think tanks, focusing on producing timely, accessible, and actionable research that could be directly used by lawmakers, a strategy that helped the foundation grow from a small outpost to a major institution in Washington

Feulner remained influential even in his later years. He was involved in the development of Project 2025, an extensive blueprint for a potential second Trump administration, and continued to offer advice and counsel to leaders. Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts and Board of Trustees Chairman Barb Van Andel-Gaby released a joint statement mourning his loss, saying Feulner’s “unwavering love of country” and determination had “shaped every fiber of the conservative movement.”

Feulner is survived by his wife Lina, their children, and grandchildren.