The American Cornerstone Institute is a right-leaning nonprofit organization created by former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and neurosurgeon Ben Carson. The organization promotes conservative political beliefs and perspectives on history.

Background

The American Cornerstone Institute asserts that it advocates for faith, liberty, community and life. ¹

The ACI was founded by former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who was a renowned neurosurgeon before entering politics. While it is a conservative think tank, Carson said the institute will promote “compromise, compassion and civility” to get both sides of the political divide working together. Carson also said the institute will be a check on political power in Washington. ²

The ACI is involved in research and collaboration with state and local entities as well as faith-based groups and private groups. ³ The ACI states it wants to “engage with local governments and work with communities to find solutions to our nation’s problems.” ⁴

Programs and Advocacy

The institute sponsors Cornerstone Conversations, which are broadcasts of in-depth discussions about public policy issues. ⁵

The institute’s “A More Perfect Union Project” seeks to better equip Americans to govern themselves as the founders intended. To begin the project, Carson launched “The Declaration Challenge” to promote the ideas of the Declaration of Independence. ⁶

The institute studies the key drivers of problems in America’s major cities such as homelessness, high cost of living, and rising crime. Carson said the institute would promote education as the key to prosperity. ⁷

The institute also focuses on election integrity issues and protecting religious liberty among other matters. ^{8 9}

Leadership

Ben Carson, the 17th secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, founded the American Cornerstone Institute. Carson had run unsuccessfully for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and worked as a neurosurgeon before entering politics. ^{10 11}

Eric Blankenstein is the director of policy at the American Cornerstone Institute. He is a former associate director of supervision, enforcement and fair lending at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. ¹²

1. American Cornerstone Institute. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.americancornerstone.org/
2. Carson, Ben. “American Cornerstone is a much-needed endeavor.” Real Clear Politics. February 3, 2021. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2021/02/03/american_cornerstone_a_much-needed_endeavor_145170.html
3. American Cornerstone Institute. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.americancornerstone.org/
4. Fordham, Evie. “Ben Carson to launch conservative think tank as his next move.” Fox News. February 4, 2021. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ben-carson-think-tank-american-cornerstone-institute-cabinet
5. “Cornerstone Conversations.” American Cornerstone Institute.” Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.americancornerstone.org/cornerstone-conversations.html
6. “A More Perfect Union.” American Cornerstone Institute. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.americancornerstone.org/a-more-perfect-union-project.html
7. Fordham, Evie. “Ben Carson to launch conservative think tank as his next move.” Fox News. February 4, 2021. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ben-carson-think-tank-american-cornerstone-institute-cabinet
8. Isenstadt, Alex. “Trump aides build out the MAGA-verse with new groups.” Politico. March 3, 2021. https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/03/trump-aides-super-pacs-472947
9. Fordham, Evie. “Ben Carson to launch conservative think tank as his next move.” Fox News. February 4, 2021. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ben-carson-think-tank-american-cornerstone-institute-cabinet
10. Fordham, Evie. “Ben Carson to launch conservative think tank as his next move.” Fox News. February 4, 2021. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ben-carson-think-tank-american-cornerstone-institute-cabinet
11. American Cornerstone Institute. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.americancornerstone.org/
12. “Eric Blankenstein.” National Review. Accessed June 12, 2021. https://www.nationalreview.com/author/eric-blankenstein/