The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding influential conservative think tank in the United States, is currently experiencing internal divisions reflecting broader tensions within the Republican Party. According to multiple staff members, the organization is grappling with an ideological and generational struggle that highlights differing approaches to the future of conservatism.
At the heart of this conflict lies the challenge of integrating the energy behind Donald Trump’s brand of politics, often called Trumpism, while managing the influence of its nativist and conspiracy-driven elements. This internal friction has intensified in recent years, particularly following the launch of Project 2025, an initiative designed to prepare policy proposals for a prospective Republican administration.
Project 2025 faced significant criticism after Trump secured the party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential election. The negative attention led to a rupture between the Heritage Foundation and the Trump campaign, with the latter effectively excluding the organization from its advisory circle. The fallout left Heritage struggling to maintain its traditional role as a key player in shaping Republican policy and governance.
Within the foundation, this tension has manifested as a divide between long-established experts focused on detailed policy research and a newer generation more invested in cultural and social issues. This internal debate mirrors the Republican Party’s broader ideological battles over how to balance governance and culture war priorities.
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, acknowledges these competing impulses but advocates for a synthesis of both. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to contemporary political realities rather than reverting to strategies and priorities from two decades ago. Roberts suggests the foundation must evolve to remain relevant and influential amid the changing conservative landscape.
As the Heritage Foundation navigates these internal challenges, it remains to be seen how successfully it can reconcile its traditional policy expertise with the demands of a transformed Republican base energized by Trumpism. The outcome will likely have implications for the organization’s role in shaping conservative policy and the broader direction of the party in the years ahead.