FreedomWorks, a once influential conservative organization that played a pivotal role in the tea party movement, has closed its doors, citing the polarizing effects of Donald Trump's presidency. The group's president, Adam Brandon, attributed the demise to a deep ideological rift between libertarian-leaning conservatives and the populist MAGA supporters.
FreedomWorks, a prominent conservative organization that helped spur the tea party movement, has announced its closure, blaming the ideological upheaval of the Trump era for its demise.
The group's president, Adam Brandon, told Politico that the decision to dissolve FreedomWorks was made unanimously by the board of directors, effective immediately. The move has resulted in the layoff of approximately two dozen staff members.
The closure of FreedomWorks marks a significant milestone in conservative politics, as the organization played a pivotal role in shaping the tea party movement, a coalition of anti-tax and anti-government activists. However, Brandon attributed the group's demise to the rise of Donald Trump and the subsequent polarization within the conservative movement.
"A lot of our base aged, and so the new activists that have come in [with] Trump, they tend to be much more populist," Brandon told Politico. "So, you look at the base that just kind of shifted."
This ideological divide, Brandon explained, created a rift within FreedomWorks' own members, dividing them into MAGA and "Never Trump" factions. The tension between these groups made it increasingly difficult for FreedomWorks to raise funds, as donors were increasingly asking, "What are you doing for Trump today?"
The closure of FreedomWorks reflects a broader shift within the conservative movement. According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, the Republican Party is becoming increasingly divided between traditional conservatives and Trump supporters. This division has presented challenges for conservative organizations like FreedomWorks, which have struggled to maintain their relevance and unity amidst the ideological divide.
Brandon, despite the closure of FreedomWorks, expressed optimism about the future of libertarian-leaning conservatism. He plans to launch a new organization focused on politically independent millennials and Gen Z'ers.
"We're not for or against Trump," said FreedomWorks' board member Paul Beckner, according to Politico. "We're for Trump if he's doing what we agree with, and we're against if he's not. And I think we've seen an erosion of conservative donors."
The closure of FreedomWorks is a reminder of the changing landscape of American politics and the ongoing challenges facing political organizations in an era of deep polarization. As the conservative movement continues to navigate its own internal divisions, it remains to be seen how other organizations will adapt to the evolving political landscape.
