Bill Pulte’s family has ties to “The Family,” secretive Christian org with vast political influence

Key Points:

• Incoming acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte’s family has multi-generational ties to The Fellowship, a secretive Christian organization known for shadow diplomacy and a global right-wing network, including connections to dictators and controversial political figures.
• Pulte’s grandfather, a wealthy philanthropist and friend of Fellowship leader Doug Coe, helped fund religious charities linked to The Fellowship, while Pulte’s father continues to support similar causes; however, no direct personal ties between Bill Pulte and The Fellowship have been publicly confirmed.
• The Fellowship exerts significant influence among Michigan’s wealthy and political circles, with associates like Mike Timmis and Charles McLeod playing key roles in religious-based political reconciliation efforts and receiving substantial financial support.
• Bill Pulte’s philanthropic and political donations diverge from his grandfather’s ecumenical approach, leaning more toward the far right, and his rapid rise despite limited relevant experience has drawn criticism from former business associates.
• The Pulte family’s business and philanthropic ventures have intersected with Trump’s political sphere, including a notable real estate bidding war involving Bill Pulte’s father, Mark, highlighting the family’s complex entanglement with influential political and religious networks.