FreedomWorks, a conservative group that played a significant role in the tea party movement, has announced its immediate shutdown, with its president Adam Brandon attributing its demise to the influence of Donald Trump. The group had already laid off nearly half of its staff last year and experienced a significant drop in revenue since 2022, leading to the decision to dissolve. Brandon explained that the ideological shift brought on by Trump’s presidency created a divide between libertarian-leaning conservatives and Trump supporters, ultimately leading to the group’s downfall.
According to Brandon, the rise of Trump led to a shift in the group’s base, with new activists showing more support for Trump’s populist approach. This division was reflected within FreedomWorks itself, with members splitting into MAGA and “Never Trump” factions. Brandon noted that donors were increasingly interested in how the group was supporting Trump, leading to difficulties in fundraising. Some donors felt that the organization was either doing too much or too little to support the former president, putting Brandon in a difficult position.
The decision to shut down FreedomWorks was reportedly supported unanimously by the board of directors, with board member Paul Beckner emphasizing that the organization supported Trump based on his actions rather than blindly supporting him. The erosion of conservative donors, coupled with the internal division among members, contributed to the group’s financial struggles and ultimate closure. Brandon expressed his intention to launch a new organization that will focus on politically independent millennials and Gen Z individuals, aiming to cultivate support among younger generations.
The closure of FreedomWorks marks the end of a chapter in the conservative movement, with the group’s influence and impact on politics diminishing over time. The organization’s role in the tea party movement, which gained traction in the early 2010s, has been overshadowed by the rise of Trumpism and the changing dynamics within the Republican party. Brandon’s comments suggest that the organization struggled to adapt to the ideological shifts brought on by Trump’s presidency, ultimately leading to its downfall.
The rift within FreedomWorks between supporters of Trump and those who opposed him reflects broader divisions within the conservative movement, as it continues to grapple with the legacy of the former president. The group’s inability to navigate these internal tensions, coupled with external pressures from donors and supporters, highlights the challenges faced by conservative organizations in today’s political landscape. As Brandon prepares to launch a new venture aimed at engaging younger generations, the closure of FreedomWorks serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of conservative politics in the post-Trump era.
Overall, the end of FreedomWorks underscores the broader shifts and challenges facing conservative organizations in the current political climate. The group’s dissolution sheds light on the impact of Trump’s presidency on the conservative movement, as well as the internal divisions and external pressures that contributed to its demise. Brandon’s plans for a new organization suggest a continued commitment to advancing conservative principles among younger generations, as the movement seeks to adapt and grow in response to changing political dynamics.
