Episode Details

Give to help Chris make Truce

Dark money is a problem in American politics and religion. What is it? Untraceable money that often comes from big donors, which is channelled through non-profits to hide the identity of the donor. This money is then able to back causes that may or may not be positive.

The Council for National Policy is an organization in the pipeline for Christian dark money. It finances groups like the Heritage Foundation, Focus on the Family, pro-life groups, Turning Point USA, and more. They also coordinate language around denial of climate change, COVID, and election results. Their first president was Tim LaHaye, but he is just the tip of the iceberg.

Our guide through this story is Anne Nelson, author of Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right. It is an excellent resource that is critical for anyone interested in how some evangelicals tied themselves to the Republican Party.

Sources:

• Biographical video from Turning Point USA about Foster Friess
• Shadow Network by Anne Nelson
• Christian Reconstruction: RJ Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism by Michael McVicar
• 100 Things to See in the Night Sky Expanded Edition. By Dean Regas
• Christianity and Oil in US History
• Article on Nelson Bunker Hunt
• Birchers by Matthew Dallek
• The Road to Serfdom (comic version) adapted from Hayek
• Reaganland and Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein
• "Information Sheet, Council for National Policy," May 1984
• Dark Money by Jane Mayer
• article on Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education
• Ponzinomics by Robert Fitzpatrick
• Justice Department article about Blackwater/ Prince
• Adams, D. C., Robles, F., & Mazzetti, M. (2025). A Desperate Haiti Turns to Erik Prince, Trump Ally, In Fight Against Gangs. New York: New York Times Company.
• Census data on Wyoming
• Pat Robertson: A Life and Legacy by David Edwin Harrell Jr.
• Leadership Institute website (accessed 8/8/25)
• Email blast from National Religious Broadcasters titled: “NRB President & CEO to Advocate on Capitol Hill for AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” released July 14, 2025
• Salem Media website
• NRB Article about Bott Radio
• PRwatch.org article and video about CNP
• Jackson Hole News and Guide

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