The Illuminati was an 18th-century secret society founded by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria, Germany, on May 1, 1776. Weishaupt, born on February 6, 1748, was 28 years old at the time of its founding. He was a German philosopher and professor of canon law (also referred to as ecclesiastical or church law) at the University of Ingolstadt, having previously held a position in civil law. Weishaupt deliberately blended mysticism and esotericism into the order’s structure and recruitment tactics, drawing heavily from well know secret societies that predated the Illuminati for centuries, primarily the Freemasons. Freemasonry remains widespread today as one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world, with lodges (chapters) operating in nearly every country where it’s legally permitted.

The historical truth: The Illuminati was a short-lived copy of the Freemasons. Plain and simple. It’s no surprise that modern scholars point the finger at the Illuminati. If you’re looking for the real Illuminati, they likely have a chapter in your local municipality, 100% steeped in mysticism, with rich men in robes performing occult rituals. Don’t be surprised if your mayor spends his free time and weekends practicing occultism with the boys at the local lodge.

In 1776— the same year Adam Weishaupt founded his Bavarian Illuminati, which borrowed heavily from Masonic structure, rituals, and secrecy— the Continental Congress began designing the Great Seal of the United States. The reverse side features the Eye of Providence: an eye within a radiant triangle atop an unfinished pyramid. Officially, this symbolizes God’s benevolent oversight of the young republic (“Annuit Coeptis” = “He has favored our undertakings”), with the pyramid representing the enduring strength of the 13 states. The standard explanation is that it’s a Christian/Renaissance motif for divine providence, predating widespread Masonic use.

Masonic adoption of the “All-Seeing Eye” as a core symbol solidified later, around 1797 where it represents the watchful eye of the Great Architect of the Universe (a non-sectarian term for God), reminding members that their actions are observed and judged.

But consider this alternative reading: the symbol’s placement on a national emblem, amid a period when Freemasons were embedded in power structures, suggests more than benign divine favor. The “Eye” isn’t just watching from above— it’s positioned to survey everything below. In Masonic contexts, it evokes constant awareness: no thought, deed, or secret escapes notice. This interpretation gains weight when you factor in Freemasonry’s real-world reach. Lodges were everywhere in colonial America and Europe— networks of influential men who shaped laws, economies, and revolutions.

The idea that the Eye represents inescapable oversight aligns with how secret societies function: power through invisibility, influence without overt control. The “God’s eye” framing serves as a palatable, public-facing explanation— inoffensive enough to avoid scrutiny from outsiders, including family members or the uninitiated who might ask uncomfortable questions. Why the triangle? Why the rays? Why atop a pyramid that implies ongoing construction under observation? These elements evoke hierarchy, enlightenment (illumination), and permanence— hallmarks of elite groups that build and maintain systems from the shadows.

While official histories attribute the Seal to non-Masonic designers (e.g., Pierre du Simitière proposed the Eye in 1776, and Charles Thomson finalized it in 1782), the coincidence of timing, Masonic prevalence among elites, and the symbol’s later Masonic embrace invites skepticism. The “creepy” factor of an all-seeing eye watching over a nation’s destiny isn’t accidental—it’s a subtle acknowledgment that certain networks see everything, build everything, and have done so for centuries.

This doesn’t require believing in a monolithic conspiracy; it simply recognizes that power has always operated through discreet, widespread associations. The Eye of Providence may be explained as God’s gaze to keep things family-friendly, but its deeper resonance is absolutely a subtle nod to the Elite power structures in control of your lives: we are everywhere, we see all, and the structure we build endures.

Here are some notable figures from modern times who were confirmed Freemasons, based on Masonic records, Grand Lodge sources, biographies, and reliable historical accounts.

Freemasonry doesn’t always publicize memberships, so lists focus on publicly acknowledged or well-documented cases. I’ve prioritized those from the last ~100 years, with a mix of politicians, entertainers, athletes, astronauts, and others.

Politicians & Leaders

Gerald R. Ford (U.S. President, 1974–1977): Initiated in 1949; received his 33° Scottish Rite degree; one of the most recent U.S. presidents known to be a Mason.

Harry S. Truman (U.S. President, 1945–1953): Active Mason; Past Grand Master of Missouri; received 33° Scottish Rite.

Jesse Jackson (Civil rights leader, politician): Initiated in 1987; believed to be a 33° Prince Hall Freemason (Prince Hall is a historically Black branch).

Bob Dole (U.S. Senator, WWII veteran): Confirmed member in his later years.

Astronauts & Explorers:
Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11 astronaut, second man on the Moon): Prominent 20th-century Mason; carried a Masonic flag to the Moon in 1969.
John Glenn (Astronaut, U.S. Senator): Made a Mason “at sight” in 1978.

Entertainers & Musicians
Brad Paisley (Country music star): Confirmed member; has spoken about it publicly.

Billy Ray Cyrus (Singer, actor): Known Mason.

Shaquille O’Neal (NBA legend, businessman): Initiated in 2011 (Prince Hall Freemason); often referenced in modern lists.

Phil Collins (Musician, Genesis/Phil Collins): Reported as a member.

Rick Wakeman (Progressive rock keyboardist, Yes): Confirmed.

Business & Other Figures:

Steve Wozniak (Co-founder of Apple): Joined in 1980 (Charity Lodge No. 362, California); one of the most famous living tech figures who is a Mason.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021): Initiated in 1952; remained active for decades.

Sergeant Johnson Beharry (British Army, Victoria Cross recipient): Modern veteran Mason (b. 1979).

Scottie Pippen (NBA Hall of Famer): Reported member.

Notes on Modern Membership:

Many lists include 20th-century icons like John Wayne, Harry Houdini, Duke Ellington, or Nat King Cole (all deceased but influential in recent history).
Living celebrities are harder to confirm due to privacy—Freemasonry doesn’t release comprehensive modern rosters, and some claims (e.g., about athletes or musicians) are anecdotal or unverified. Prince Hall Freemasonry (for Black members) has notable figures like Jesse Jackson and Shaquille O’Neal.
In recent decades, membership has declined in some areas, but active Masons still include everyday professionals, veterans, and community leaders.