https://atlassociety.org/commentary/commentary-blog/3448-myth-ayn-rand-was-a-conservativeHer philosophy, Objectivism , advocates reason, individualism, and personal happiness. Conservatives are more likely to favor faith, tradition, and duty as core values. Politically, Objectivism is classically liberal or libertarian . It expresses a world view associated with the Enlightenment. Ayn Rand fundamentally rejected the conservative-liberal distinction in culture.
On the level of concrete policy, Rand defended a woman’s right to abortion and was a four-square supporter of freedom of speech (both “liberal” causes). She also attacked racism ( a “liberal” bugbear) as grossly collectivist. However, she rejected affirmative action policies (the favored “liberal” solution) for exactly the same reason.