RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- The Caesar Rodney Institute is rated Right Biased based on consistent advocacy for free-market, anti-regulatory, and conservative policy positions, especially regarding education, taxation, and energy. It is rated Mixed for factual reporting due to limited funding transparency, ideological alignment with SPN and fossil fuel interests, and advocacy-driven research that often omits opposing viewpoints.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.4)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) is a Delaware-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit public policy think tank founded in 2008. The organization describes itself as a “nonpartisan” research institute providing “fact-based analysis” in four policy areas: education, energy and environmental policy, the economy and government spending, and health policy. Named after American revolutionary Caesar Rodney, CRI promotes limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. It is part of a network of state-level think tanks that promote conservative and libertarian economic policies.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Caesar Roddey Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that solicits tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses. It does not publicly disclose its donors, limiting transparency regarding funding sources. However, it is a member of the State Policy Network, which has received millions of dollars in funding from fossil fuel interests and conservative donor-advised funds, including DonorsTrust, the Searle Freedom Trust, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Bradley Foundation. SPN-affiliated groups often receive direct grants and share messaging infrastructure. Notably, SPN has promoted climate denial and partnered with organizations like the Heartland Institute, Cato Institute, and Heritage Foundation that question the scientific consensus on climate change.
According to SourceWatch, CRI has received donations from several conservative and fossil-fuel-related organizations:
- Donors Capital Fund: $352,500 (2009–2010)
- DonorsTrust: $111,000 (2012–2019)
- American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers: $20,000 (2019–2020)
- American Energy Alliance: $15,000 (2019)
- National Christian Charitable Foundation: $109,000 (2014–2018)
- Roe Foundation: $110,000 (2014–2020)
CRI is also linked to the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. This now-defunct ALEC-connected outlet funded state-based reporters who were screened for “free-market” alignment.
Analysis / Bias
The Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) consistently promotes free-market, conservative, and limited-government policies across its primary focus areas of education, fiscal policy, and energy. Although it describes itself as “nonpartisan” and “fact-based,” CRI’s policy recommendations closely align with right-leaning ideological frameworks and donor networks, such as the State Policy Network (SPN).
In education, CRI articles such as “The Vision Coalition is Failing Delaware Students” criticize progressive models like “student-centered learning” and instead advocate for “Direct Instruction” and “Science of Reading” reforms that emphasize structured teaching and measurable outcomes. The piece portrays teacher unions and state education leaders as ineffective, reflecting a broader conservative critique of public education systems and support for traditional, standardized methods.
On fiscal issues, CRI’s “The Pending Budget Crisis in Delaware” attacks government spending growth under Governor John Carney, describing Delaware lawmakers as “spending-addicted” and warning of potential tax increases. The tone mirrors national conservative rhetoric promoting austerity and opposing new social spending.
In environmental policy, CRI’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy strongly opposes renewable energy mandates, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and offshore wind development. The group argues that green energy programs “hurt the poor,” “kill jobs,” and “do virtually nothing to reduce CO₂ emissions,” while favoring fossil fuel industry perspectives and deregulation. This stance reflects the positions of SPN-affiliated organizations and energy industry funders that reject mainstream climate consensus.
Failed Fact Checks
- The Caesar Rodney Institute itself has not been the direct subject of professional fact-checking. However, its alignment with SPN, which funds groups that promote climate skepticism, raises concerns about the reliability and neutrality of its policy analysis.
The Caesar Rodney Institute is rated Right Biased based on consistent advocacy for free-market, anti-regulatory, and conservative policy positions, especially regarding education, taxation, and energy. It is rated Mixed for factual reporting due to limited funding transparency, ideological alignment with SPN and fossil fuel interests, and advocacy-driven research that often omits opposing viewpoints. (D. Van Zandt 10/26/2025)
Source: https://www.caesarrodney.org/
Last Updated on October 26, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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