Neoconservatives gain new backers: traditional Republican elites reinforce their capacity to counter the “America First” agenda

On December 22, 2025, the American conservative think tank "Advancing American Freedom" (AAF), founded in April 2021 by former Vice President Mike Pence, announced the expansion of its staff, an increase in donor support, and the buildup of its own research and personnel capabilities.

Mike Pence remains a separate institutional pillar for the Republican Party outside the Trumpist core after his break with Trump due to the events of January 6, 2021, when, despite pressure from the White House, he certified the election results and has since been portrayed as a political opponent in Trump's circle.

Along with a large-scale increase in funding for current projects, a team of 13 researchers from the Heritage Foundation transitioned to AAF, a structure involved since 2022 in developing Project 2025, which played a significant role in shaping the priorities of the Trump administration during his second term.