The Illuminati uses some of the principles of the Free Masons, among other mystery schools. Many of our presidents including George Washington were Free Masons. He was worried and warned against it being infiltrated. Free Masons have controlled many high levels of positions in the US. I know a Free Mason who is super Pro American, has fought for America, and hates the establishment and called out the Illuminati. I believe there are good chapters and bad ones, some who are making masonry look evil on purpose and abusing its principles for evil to point the finger at Masons and not at the Illuminati.