Free the People Foundation

Free the People
Formation2016 (2016)
TypeNonprofit
HeadquartersWashington, DC
President
Matt Kibbe
CEO
Terry Kibbe
Websitehttps://freethepeople.org

Free the People is a nonprofit organization and digital media company based in the United States that promotes libertarian values, including individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and civil liberties.[1] The organization is known for its documentary filmmaking and sketch comedy videos that inspire audiences to challenge centralized authority and embrace a libertarian worldview.[2]

History

Free the People was founded in 2016 by Matt Kibbe, former president of FreedomWorks, and Terry Kibbe, a veteran political fundraiser.[3] The organization emerged as an effort to reach a younger, digital-native audience with a message of liberty through engaging multimedia content. The founders envisioned a platform that combined grassroots activism with cultural and philosophical storytelling.[4]

Mission and activities

The organization produces short films, documentaries, podcasts, and comedies that often highlight individuals and communities who embody libertarian principles in action.[5]

Notable projects include

  • Kibbe on Liberty – a weekly video interview podcast hosted by Matt Kibbe and released on BlazeTV.[6] Noteworthy guests include Ron Paul, Rob Schneider, Sen. Rand Paul, Tulsi Gabbard, Rep. Thomas Massie, Lyn Ulbricht, and Michael Malice.[7]
  • The Coverup – an investigative documentary series on BlazeTV that explores abuses of power and government corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic response.[8]
  • Comedy is Murder – a sketch comedy series featuring comedians like Lou Perez[9] that won critical acclaim and was shared by Elon Musk on X.[10]
  • Off the Grid with Thomas Massie – a documentary featuring U.S. Representative Thomas Massie living on his farm in Kentucky that built a niche following for the congressman.[11]
  • How to Love Your Enemy – a documentary that explores how restorative justice offers a compassionate alternative to the traditional criminal justice system.[12]
  • The Deadly Isms – an educational video series explaining the dangers of authoritarian ideologies.[13]

Free the People films have won awards at film festivals including Anthem Libertarian Film Festival,[14] New York City Film & Television Festival, and IndieBOOM Film + Music Festival.[15] The organization also participates in liberty-oriented community events like PorcFest,[16] FreedomFest,[17] and international forums like the Festival de las Ideas in Mexico.[18]

Leadership

Matt Kibbe, President, is a prominent libertarian commentator, author of Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff,[19] and former CEO of FreedomWorks.[20] Terry Kibbe, CEO, has worked extensively in the nonprofit and political fundraising world and previously served as a development executive at various free-market organizations.[21]

Media presence

Free the People maintains a significant digital presence through its website,[22] YouTube channel,[23] and social media platforms. Its videos have collectively generated tens of millions of views,[24] and the organization has built a substantial following among libertarian and classical liberal audiences, especially among younger viewers disillusioned with traditional political alignments.[25]

Funding

Free the People is funded through individual donations, foundation grants, and partnerships with like-minded organizations. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.[26]

References

  1. ^ McCarthy, Rebecca. "Matt Kibbe And The Liberteens". The Awl. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  2. ^ Gillespie, Nick (June 19, 2018). "This Libertarian Community Organizer Wants To 'Free the People'". Reason.com. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  3. ^ "Mission". Free the People. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  4. ^ "Alumni 'libertarian power couple' to share story with GCC students". Grove City College. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  5. ^ Toto, Christian (December 16, 2023). "Meet the Comedian Who Shamed Apple to the Core". Hollywood in Toto. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  6. ^ Harper, Jennifer (January 16, 2019). "BlazeTV adds libertarian, comedy fare to its pro-America line-up". The Washington Times. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  7. ^ "Kibbe on Liberty". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  8. ^ Hathaway, Candace (July 31, 2025). "BlazeTV's 'The Coverup' exposes how the censorship industrial complex silenced Americans during COVID". Blaze Media. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  9. ^ Toto, Christian (April 22, 2023). "More Proof Subversive Comedy Thrives (But Not on 'SNL')". Hollywood in Toto. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  10. ^ Kibbe, Terry (February 1, 2025). "Elon Got the Joke!". Free the People. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  11. ^ "Opinion | 'I Don't Know Why He's Not More Famous.' Meet the Man Republicans Can't Get Enough Of". The New York Times. March 10, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  12. ^ "Watch the Award-Winning Documentary How to Love Your Enemy". Boundless Love Project. September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  13. ^ Stossel, John (December 20, 2017). "Avoid the Deadly Isms". Reason.com. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  14. ^ "Atlas Network partners win big at the 2019 Anthem Film Festival". Atlas Network. July 23, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  15. ^ "News". IndieBOOM. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  16. ^ Martin, Sam (July 25, 2022). "Beautiful Chaos at PorcFest 2022". Free the People. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  17. ^ "Politicians Panel with Free the People". FOX One. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  18. ^ Cortés, Daniel (May 29, 2025). "Festival de las Ideas 2025 abre con discurso de Matt Kibbe: 'El gobierno opera mediante coerción'". El Sol de Puebla (in Spanish). Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  19. ^ "Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff". HarperCollins. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Mullins, Luke (June 26, 2013). "Armey in Exile". Washingtonian. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  21. ^ "Love, Liberty, and Happiness with Matt Kibbe & Terry Kibbe". Students For Liberty. November 9, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  22. ^ "Home". Free the People. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  23. ^ "Free the People". YouTube. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  24. ^ "Free the People's YouTube Statistics". Social Blade. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  25. ^ Allen, Timothy (May 5, 2023). "Matt & Terry Kibbe: Reaching Hearts & Minds". Free Cities Foundation. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  26. ^ "Free the People Fight the Power Foundation". ProPublica. Retrieved September 19, 2025.


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