Meet the Real Power Behind the GOP

The Council for National Policy (CNP) is a secretive right-wing nationalist group that was formed in 1981 to counter what its leaders saw as the excessive influence of purportedly liberal organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations.1 CNP, may of whose founding members helped spearhead the emergence of the modern conservative movement (sometimes referred to as the "New Right"), remains an important element of the American Right and is regularly courted by conservative politicians, religious leaders, and activists. The invitation-only group sponsors closed conferences and seminars for "national leaders in the fields of business, government, religion and academia to explore national policy alternatives."2

A 2004 New York Times report about CNP highlighted its secrecy. "Three times a year for 23 years, a little-known club of a few hundred of the most powerful conservatives in the country have met behind closed doors at undisclosed locations for a confidential conference, the Council for National Policy, to strategize about how to turn the country to the right."3 Added the Times, "'The media should not know when or where we meet or who takes part in our programs, before or after a meeting,' a list of rules obtained by the New York Times advises the attendees. The membership list is 'strictly confidential.' Guests may attend 'only with the unanimous approval of the executive committee.' In e-mail messages to one another, members are instructed not to refer to the organization by name, to protect against leaks."