In Washington, a controversial personnel reshuffle is making headlines: the Trump-aligned think tank The Heritage Foundation announced on Thursday the appointment of Corey A. DeAngelis as a scientific adviser on education policy. The 35-year-old previously appeared in gay porn films, but has since become a fierce opponent of LGBTQ rights.
DeAngelis’ past work in the gay pornography industry has sparked debate among supporters of Trump. While a university student, he acted under the pseudonym Seth Rose in several films — typically performing solo or with other young men. The productions carried titles such as “Jerk Off Race,” which translates to “Wanking Contest.” They were originally released on platforms like GayHoopla.
After completing his studies, DeAngelis worked for conservative or right-wing populist organizations, including the “American Federation for Children,” founded by Betsy DeVos, who previously served as education secretary under Trump. He also contributed to Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” a detailed plan for a Republican president intended to consolidate power and, among other things, roll back the rights of LGBTQ people or transgender individuals.
DeAngelis frames himself as a victim of cancel culture
In 2024, DeAngelis admitted to having appeared in those films after the internet drew attention to the resemblance between Seth Rose and himself. “Images and videos from my student days about a decade ago circulate, and I am not proud of them. They are embarrassing,” he said at the time on the Christian fundamentalist television program “The 700 Club.” He portrayed himself as a victim, claiming he was “the target of a left-wing cancel campaign, and my political opponents are trying to accuse me of hypocrisy.”
DeAngelis further claimed he had been lured into the porn industry by a ruse. He said he had been promised to appear in fitness videos and stopped when he was asked to touch other men, though he did not explain why he had shown up for several shoots beforehand.
Following the disclosure, DeAngelis first lost his job at the “American Federation for Children.” He has since managed to reestablish himself within those circles, particularly by repeatedly characterizing queer people as a threat to children.
In his new role, DeAngelis is expected to advocate for educational reforms that would weaken the public school system while strengthening private schools. He is also to devise strategies for banning “woke” content in schools, including references to queer people.
Queer organizations criticized the paradox of DeAngelis fighting against queer rights while having previously benefited financially from the very cause he now opposes. GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis asserted that the real danger emanates from him — from his current stance and actions.
