Conservative organization FreedomWorks closes as political focus changes with Trump’s ascendancy

FreedomWorks, a conservative organization established in 1984 that played a key role in shaping the Tea Party movement into a national political powerhouse, is closing its doors.

The decision to shut down comes amid a division within the Republican Party, now largely influenced by former President Donald Trump, Politico reported on Wednesday.

“We’re dissolved,” stated Adam Brandon, president of the group, to Politico. “It’s effective immediately.”

According to Politico, FreedomWorks has witnessed a decline in fundraising since 2022.

“A lot of our base has aged, and the new activists brought in by Trump tend to lean more towards populism,” Brandon shared with Politico. “So there has been a noticeable shift in our base.”

“Our staff became divided into MAGA and Never Trump factions,” Brandon revealed in an internal document reviewed by Politico Magazine, as reported by the outlet.

“Now I think donors are asking, What are you doing for Trump today?” remarked FreedomWorks board member Paul Beckner to Politico. “And we’re neither for nor against Trump. We support Trump if we align with his actions, and we oppose him if we don’t.

“As a result, we’ve witnessed a decline in conservative donors.”

Brandon conveyed to Politico that he had endeavored to “maintain a working relationship with the pro-Trump populists on the issues we agree upon,” and emphasized that he “strived to balance the two conflicting ideologies.”

“This has been my life for so long and to switch off the lights, it’s quite emotional,” Brandon told the outlet. “The issue is that it’s simply not the most effective platform for our libertarian principles and values.”

FreedomWorks originated from the Koch-funded organization Citizens for Sound Economy, breaking away from the Koch political network in 2004.

Brandon indicated to Politico that he intends to establish a new organization targeting politically independent members of the millennial and Gen Z generations.

“By launching something new, you can create it from scratch,” he articulated to the outlet. “You can develop a brand that aligns with what these individuals desire, and you can avoid all the baggage associated with the FreedomWorks brand.”