LIVE NOW: The Forum 2026 Features Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Conservative Leaders

The Forum 2026, a national conference bringing together conservative leaders, policy experts, and commentators, concludes on Nov. 12 with discussions on immigration, China, religion, national security, and America’s economic future.

The conference features U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who joins Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts for a closing discussion on America’s economic foundation and long-term future.

Agenda

9:00–10:30 a.m. ET | Session 6: Incompatibility of Islamism with American & Western Civilization

A political discussion examining the compatibility of Islamism with American principles, religious liberty, and Western civilization.

Speakers:

• Florence Bergeaud-Blackler: Anthropologist and author of “The Muslim Brotherhood and Its Networks: An Investigation”

• Raymond Ibrahim: Author, historian, and visiting fellow at the Danube Institute

• Jay Richards, Ph.D.: Vice president of social and domestic policy at The Heritage Foundation

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET | Session 7: Building an Immigration System That Puts America First

A discussion of immigration reforms, H-1B visas, workforce and economic implications, and assimilation.

Speakers:

• Nick Freitas: Media host, former Virginia state delegate and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran

• Rosemary Jenks: Policy director at the Immigration Accountability Project

• Mark Krikorian: Executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies

• Wade Miller: Executive director of the Center for Renewing America

1:30–2:30 p.m. ET | Session 8: Statesmen and Pastors: Role of Religion in American Politics and Culture

A discussion examining the roles of political and religious leaders in shaping American culture, morality, and public life.

Speakers:

• Yoram Hazony: Chairman of the Edmund Burke Foundation and president of the Herzl Institute

• Albert Mohler: President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

• Bridget Weisenburger: Vice president of outreach at The Heritage Foundation

2:30–3:30 p.m. ET | Session 9: China and the American Interest: How Far Should America Go?

A discussion evaluating China’s strategic challenges, U.S. national interests, and the potential costs of different policy responses.

Speakers:

• Mollie Hemingway: Editor-in-chief of The Federalist

• Katherine Thompson: Senior fellow at the Cato Institute

• Piero A. Tozzi: Ben Franklin fellow and senior director of China policy at the America First Policy Institute

• Steve Yates: Senior research fellow for China and national security policy and Chung Ju Yung fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center

4:00–4:45 p.m. ET | Fireside Chat: A New Generation of Founders, Builders, and Patriots

A discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the role of younger generations in shaping America’s future.

Speakers:

• Isaiah Taylor: Founder and CEO of Valar Atomics

• Derrick Morgan: Executive vice president of The Heritage Foundation

4:45–5:30 p.m. ET | Closing Fireside Chat: America’s Economic Foundation: Building for the Next 250 Years

A closing discussion on America’s economic foundation and its future.

Speakers:

• Scott Bessent: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

• Kevin Roberts, Ph.D.: President and CEO of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action

5:30–7:30 p.m. ET | Closing Reception: After Hours at The Forum