Heritage Foundation founder Ed Feulner dies at 83 years old

The Heritage Foundation on Friday announced that its founder, Edwin Feulner, who served as the foundation's longest president, died at the age of 83-years-old. 

The founder, who was considered a titan in Republican politics, helped transform the foundation from a small think-tank to a massive conservative powerhouse. 

Feulner, who has authored nine books, created the foundation in 1973 and served as its president for 37 years. 

“Ed Feulner was more than a leader—he was a visionary, a builder, and a patriot of the highest order," Heritage President Kevin Roberts and Board of Trustees Chairman Barb Van Andel-Gaby said in a joint statement. "His unwavering love of country and his determination to safeguard the principles that made America the freest, most prosperous nation in human history shaped every fiber of the conservative movement—and still do. 

“His ‘Feulnerisms’ still resonate in the halls of Heritage—where they will always be remembered," the pair continued. "‘People are policy,’ for instance— the heartbeat of his mission—to equip, encourage, and elevate a new generation of conservative leaders, not just in Washington, but across this great country. And we still remember his adjuration to never be complacent or discouraged: ‘In Washington, there are no permanent victories and no permanent defeats.’" 

The leaders promised to honor Feulner's legacy by "carrying his mission forward," and to remember his optimism. 

Heritage's leadership did not release Feulner's cause of death, but he is survived by his wife Linda, children and grandchildren.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.