Top Republicans rub shoulders with extremists in secretive rightwing group, leak reveals

Wealthy entrepreneurs and media moguls also named on membership list for influential Council for National Policy

A leaked document has revealed the membership list of the secretive Council for National Policy (CNP), showing how it provides opportunities for elite Republicans, wealthy entrepreneurs, media proprietors and pillars of the US conservative movement to rub shoulders with anti-abortion and anti-Islamic extremists.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which monitors rightwing hate groups, describes the CNP as a shadowy and intensely secretive group [which] has operated behind the scenes" in its efforts to build the conservative movement".

Frank Gaffney, founder and executive chairman of the Center for Security Policy (CSP)

Brigitte Gabriel, founder and chairman of Act For America (AFA)

Michael P Farris, president and CEO of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)

Brad Dacus, founder and president of the Pacific Justice Institute

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council

Matthew Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel

Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association