The most important American scholarship comes out of our think tanks, and no think tank has been more influential than the American Enterprise Institute.

Ronald Reagan

I'm particularly pleased to have this opportunity because it gives me a chance to express my respect for AEI, an organization whose work I know not just by reputation--but also through first-hand experience. One recent AEI effort, of course, stands out in particular. In the fall of 2006, AEI scholars helped develop the concept for what came to be known as 'the surge.' Fred and Kim Kagan and their team, which included retired General Jack Keane, prepared a report that made the case for additional troops in Iraq. As all here know, it became one of those rare think tank products that had a truly strategic impact.

General David Petraeus, receiving the 2010 Irving Kristol Award, May 6, 2010

[Washington's] most influential think tank.

The Economist, 2006

Without question, the American Enterprise Institute is one of the most influential think tanks in D.C. The joke is that AEI's building in downtown Washington houses more conservative intellectuals than most European nations.

Washington Examiner, 2009

The danger is, of course, that people who believe the government can manage the economy better than the private sector will use this decision as an excuse to keep government involved. And that's why AEI is going to be important long after my presidency, to be talking about the merits of markets and the merits of free enterprise.

President George W. Bush, December 18, 2008

[AEI is] one of the finest argument factories in the free world.

Jonah Goldberg, National Review Online, March 2006

AEI has emerged as one of the most important public policy institutions in our country. From deregulation in the 1980s to welfare reform in the 1990s to the war on terror today, AEI scholars have consistently produced pioneering work that has bettered the lives of our citizens and our world.

Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT), September 11, 2008

The American Enterprise Institute, over the years, has consistently defended fundamental freedoms, both personal and economic. It has stoically resisted the insidious tide of political correctness in so many facets of our daily lives.

It has frequently displayed great policy courage--often facing a chorus of ridicule and dissent. This was recently the case regarding the surge in Iraq, a subject to which I will return later.

Most prominently, though, this Institute has always understood the relentless force of ideas and values in shaping societies.

John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, March 5, 2008

'When does AEI start trumping the Joint Chiefs of Staff on this stuff?' Schoomaker asked at the next chiefs' meeting.

Bob Woodward in a Washington Post article about
General Jack Keane briefing President Bush
on a new Iraq strategy being proposed by AEI, September 8, 2008

[AEI scholar] Peter Wallison saw Fannie Mae's troubles coming 25 years ago…But getting anyone to do anything about the congressionally chartered mortgages company and its unusual vulnerabilities proved futile, even after Mr. Wallison began writing books warning that it and sister company Freddie Mac could take advantage of their government ties and relative lack of regulation to grow too large.

John D. McKinnon, The Wall Street Journal,
referring to AEI scholar Peter Wallison's prophetic warnings
about the dangers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, July 12, 2008

If you believe that careful research ought to inform public policy, then you must follow closely what is done at AEI. There gifted scholars produce exceptional studies that make a difference to people who care about freedom, culture, the economy, and national defense.

James Q. Wilson

...Washington's most audacious and interesting think tank, the American Enterprise Institute

Andy Ferguson, the Weekly Standard, May 14, 2007

AEI has done a masterful job of fostering discussion and debate on the issues that affect America and affect the world.

Representative Peter Hoekstra (R-MI), September 20, 2006

...AEI has become renowned for its scholarship, the care and precision of its work, the influence and commitment to important ideas. No think-tank in this city can match what AEI does.

Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President Karl Rove, May 15, 2006

In 1979-80, the American Enterprise Institute asked me to come across as a visiting professor for a year. . . that is where I did the basic research--or a lot of it--for my book, Modern Times. . . [T]hat was a hugely useful and absolutely fascinating experience to me. I've always been very grateful to the AEI for making it possible. It was one of the most valuable years I've ever spent in my life.

Author and historian Paul Johnson, February 7, 2010