Dan H. Wilks
Credentials
- Diploma, High School.1“Dan Wilks,” Forbes, December 30, 2017. Archived December 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ya0Kp
Background
Dan H. (Howard) Wilks and his older brother, Farris Wilks, made their fortunes by selling their fracking and oilfield services company, Frac Tec, in 2011. According to Forbes, each of the brothers was worth $1.4 billion as of December 2017.2“Dan Wilks,” Forbes, December 30, 2017. Archived December 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ya0Kp
The Wilks brothers worked in their father’s masonry business and founded Wilks Masonry in 1995. However, they “really hit the big time when they got in on the ground floor with fracking.” After selling Frac Tec to the Singapore government for $3.5 billion in 2011, the brothers became major funders of groups part of the religious right. Farris Wilks runs The Thirteen Foundation, known for extensively funding vehement anti-abortion and anti-LGBT groups as well as groups within the conservative political network of petrochemical billionaires Charles and David Koch.3Bill Berkowitz. “Meet the Frackers: Right-Wing Billionaire Brothers’ Biblical Ambitions,” Truth-Out, September 8, 2014. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/KX5tw 4“The Wilks Brothers: Fracking Sugar Daddies For The Far Right,” Right Wing Watch, June 12, 2014. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/AxtmA
“The Wilks brothers worry that America’s declining morals will especially hurt the younger generation, so they’re using the riches that the Lord has blessed them with to back specific goals,” the Christian Broadcasting Networks’ David Brody reported from an event run by “Christian-Nation extremist“ David Lane in 2013. Farris Wilks has said they want to “bring the Bible back into the school and start teaching our kids at a younger age and focus on the younger generation.”5“Revival in America? Time to Get off the Sidelines!” The Christian Journal, August 8, 2013. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFaqa 6Peter Montgomery. “Why Do Republican Officials Keep Partnering With Christian-Nation Extremist David Lane?” People for the American Way, June 12, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nZLLa
The previously obscure brothers made headlines when they gave a record-breaking $15 million to back Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential bid, citing his views on abortion and “the morality of the free market” as reasons for their support.7“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archived July 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
The brothers are also among the largest landowners in Montana, the Billings Gazette reported in 2014.8“Report: State’s largest landowners keep expanding,” Billings Gazette, October 23, 2014.
The Wilks Brothers and PragerU
Dan and Farris Wilks are two of the largest funders of PragerU (AKA “Prager University”). Farris’ Thirteen Foundation gave $1 million to PragerU in 2015, while Dan Wilks has given at least $120,000 through the Heavenly Fathers Foundation, according to publicly available 990 forms reviewed by DeSmog.9Bria Shea. “Fracking Titans Spend Millions Proselytizing School Children,” Rewire, April 30, 2015. Archived August 29, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/SphpV
PragerU, which is not an accredited academic institution, was created by conservative radio talk show host Dennis Prager who has “historically fought against what he describes as ‘liberal’ evils—marriage equality, feminism, and multiculturalism.” According to its 2014 annual report, PragerU was advancing with the specific goal of targeting middle school and high school children.10Bria Shea. “Fracking Titans Spend Millions Proselytizing School Children,” Rewire, April 30, 2015. Archived August 29, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/SphpV
The group’s “Environmental Science” course is dominated by climate change deniers such as Alex Epstein, Bjorn Lomborg, Patrick Moore, and Richard Lindzen.11“What they Haven’t Told You About Climate Change,” PragerU, July 26, 2015. Archived May 31, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/2CjQC
Dennis Prager has called campus rape a “gargantuan lie to get votes” and “nonsense” promoted by the “feminist left.”12“NRO’s Dennis Prager: Campus Rape Culture Is A ‘Gargantuan Lie to Get Votes,’” Media Matters, October 30, 2014. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
Heavenly Fathers Foundation
Dan and his wife Staci Wilks run the Heavenly Father’s Foundation. The Foundation has funded a number of organizations known for their strong anti-abortion and anti-gay stances. View recent 990s and funding information below, or see the attached spreadsheet for Heavenly Father’s Foundation donations by year (.xlsx).
| Recipient | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Grand Total |
| Mountain Top Church | $2,389,000 | $4,199,569 | $2,446,500 | $9,035,069 |
| New Horizon Ministries | $1,353,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $3,353,000 |
| Pastors and Pews American Family Association | $750,000 | $1,213,750 | $1,086,931 | $3,050,681 |
| Serenity House | $334,250 | $577,250 | $341,750 | $1,253,250 |
| Liberty Counsel | $250,000 | $575,000 | $825,000 | |
| Family Talk | $550,000 | $550,000 | ||
| Heartbeat International | $550,000 | $550,000 | ||
| Eastland County Crisis Center, Inc | $201,100 | $136,100 | $136,100 | $473,300 |
| Crossroads Church | $90,000 | $90,000 | $90,000 | $270,000 |
| The Open Door | $100,000 | $95,000 | $65,000 | $260,000 |
| Gail McWilliams | $20,000 | $118,500 | $138,500 | |
| Passion Life | $125,000 | $125,000 | ||
| Prager University | $50,000 | $70,000 | $120,000 | |
| Texas Right to Life | $50,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | |
| Aldersgate Enrichment Center | $25,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Cisco Senior Nutrition Program | $32,000 | $33,000 | $35,000 | $100,000 |
| Calvary Chapel of Thousand Oaks | $69,739 | $69,739 | ||
| Arlington Life Center | $25,000 | $15,000 | $25,000 | $65,000 |
| National Christian Foundation South Florida | $50,000 | $50,000 | ||
| Family Service Center | $22,000 | $1,124 | $20,000 | $43,124 |
| Eastland county 91st Judicial Criminal DA | $25,000 | $25,000 | ||
| Fellowship of Christina Athletes | $25,000 | $25,000 | ||
| Goodfellows | $10,000 | $8,100 | $18,100 | |
| Community Bible Study – eTeens | $8,450 | $8,000 | $16,450 | |
| New River Fellowship | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
| Center of Hope Parker County | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
| Highland Church of Christ | $10,000 | $10,000 | ||
| Cisco Food Pantry | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | |
| Cisco Recreation Association | $5,000 | $5,000 | ||
| Baptist Church of Cisco | $5,000 | $5,000 | ||
| Cisco ISD Ballpark Program | $5,000 | $5,000 | ||
| The Gideons International | $2,000 | $2,000 | ||
| India Partners Monterey Church of Christ | $1,500 | $1,500 | ||
| First Baptist Church Eastland | $1,384 | $1,384 | ||
| Juvenile Arthritis | $500 | $500 | ||
| No Limitz | $500 | $500 | ||
| Wilks Heritage Group | $375 | $375 | ||
| Monterey Church of Christ | $200 | $200 | ||
| Grand Total | $5,436,550 | $8,031,627 | $7,219,495 | $20,687,672 |
Stance on Climate Change
Dan Wilks’ brother has stated that it is God’s will whether the ice caps melt. Dan Wilks likely holds similar views on climate change, given his funding of organizations like PragerU, which his foundation has given at least $120,000 in funding.13“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
PragerU has extensively promoted climate change denial, with a wide range of speakers including Patrick Moore who declared in a PragerU video that “The science is not ‘settled.’ The debate is not over. The climate is always changing. It always has. And it always will.”14“What they Haven’t Told You About Climate Change,” PragerU, July 26, 2015.
The Guardian included the following quotes in an article discussing the Wilks brothers and climate change:15Peter Stone. “Texas fracking billionaire brothers fuel rightwing media with millions of dollars,” The Guardian, September 5, 2023. Archived February 29, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/okAVn
“Farris and Dan Wilks, who believe their billions were given to them by God, have spent the last decade working to advance a dominionist ideology by funding far-right organizations and politicians that seek to dismiss climate change as ‘God’s will’, remove choice, demonize the LGBTQ community, and tear down public education, all to turn America into a country that gives preference to and imposes their extreme beliefs on everyone,” said Chris Tackett, a Texas-based campaign finance analyst.
Darren Dochuk, a history professor at the University of Notre Dame and author of Anointed with Oil said:16Peter Stone. “Texas fracking billionaire brothers fuel rightwing media with millions of dollars,” The Guardian, September 5, 2023. Archived February 29, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/okAVn
“The goal of [the] Wilks and those that share their ideology is to gain control of levers of power and control information. That’s why they invest heavily into politicians, agenda-driven non-profits and media organizations like PragerU and the Daily Wire. It is all connected.”
Key Quotes
July 2015
From a statement to CNN discussing the Wilks brothers’ financial support of Senator Ted Cruz:
“We need a true leader in Washington,” Dan Walks said. “A leader that will stand up for biblical morals. We need a leader who is proud of America, not one who apologizes for us. We need a leader who encourages hard work, not one who tells people who don’t work that they should make the same living as people who do. We need a leader who will make sure America doesn’t end up a socialist nation.”17Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
Key Deeds
December 2015
The Washington Post reported that Dan and Farris Wilks were behind a private gathering to rally support behind Ted Cruz’s presidential bid. At the event, Cruz met with 300 prominent faith leaders on the private ranch of Farris Wilks.18Katie Zezima. “Ted Cruz huddles with faith leaders at ranch of super PAC donor,” The Washington Post, December 29, 2015. Archived January 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFtyd
During the two-day gathering, participants taped video endorsements for the bid. Mike Gonzalez, who leads the South Carolina Pastors Alliance, said the event included “many of the most prominent spiritual influencers in the country.” Attendees included prominent televangelists John Hagee, as well as James Dobson, founder of Focus on Family.19Katie Zezima. “Ted Cruz huddles with faith leaders at ranch of super PAC donor,” The Washington Post, December 29, 2015. Archived January 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFtyd
July 2015
As reported at CNN among other news sources, the Wilks brothers donated $15 million to support Senator Ted Cruz, setting the record at the time for the largest donation in the 2016 presidential campaign. The donation went to Keep the Promise, a super PAC supporting Cruz.20Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
“Our country was founded on the idea that our rights come from the Creator, not the government. I’m afraid we’re losing that,” Farris Wilks said in a statement to CNN. “Unless we elect a principled conservative leader ready to stand up for our values, we’ll look back on what once was the land of opportunity and pass on a less prosperous nation to our children and grandchildren. That’s why we need Ted Cruz.”21Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
Speaking with Reuters, Farris Wilks said: “We support (Cruz) because he believes in the morality of the free market, in keeping our country safe, and in the right of the unborn not to be killed in their mother’s womb.”22“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
“We need a true leader in Washington,” Dan Walks said in his own statement to CNN. “A leader that will stand up for biblical morals. We need a leader who is proud of America, not one who apologizes for us. We need a leader who encourages hard work, not one who tells people who don’t work that they should make the same living as people who do. We need a leader who will make sure America doesn’t end up a socialist nation.”23“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
June 2015
According to Rewire, Dan and Farris Wilks helped push a bill referred to as the “Denton Fracking Ban,” that would prevent any bans on fracking. Based on public records reviewed by Rewire, the Wilks brothers and their wives made more than $800,000 in Texas campaign contributions.24Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
The Denton Fracking Ban, HB 40, would prevent municipalities in Texas from regulating oil and gas activity.25Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
“Every single legislator who received money from the Wilkses in 2014 voted ‘yes’ for the bill. And Gov. Abbott, who signed it into law, took in over $30,000 from the brothers last year,” Rewire noted.26Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
Two other bills, SB 440 and SB 720, were written by Republican Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) who had received $100,000 in campaign contributions from the Wilkses in 2014.27Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
Greenpeace researcher Jesse Coleman told Rewire that the outlaw of local bans was hypocritical.28Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
“Here you have the crux of democracy in Denton, Texas, where people got together and voted on what they wanted,” Coleman told Rewire in a phone interview. “And now the same industry that is saying that the federal government can’t regulate them, is saying that, no, even on the local level, they can’t regulate them because they don’t want any regulation at all.”29Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
Affiliations
- The Heavenly Father’s Foundation — Trustee.
- Wilks Masonry Corporation — Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Director.30“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- Interstate Explorations LLC — Co-Founder and Co-Owner.31“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- Cisco Supply, LTD — Co-Founder and Co-Owner.32“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- FTS International Services (Formerly Frac Tech Services, LLC) — Former Director.33“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
Social Media
- Dan Wilks does not appear to be active on social media.
Publications
Dan Wilks does not appear to regularly publish articles or books. Publications will be added here by DeSmog upon further investigation.
Other Resources
- “Dan and Farris Wilks,” Wikipedia.
Resources
- 1“Dan Wilks,” Forbes, December 30, 2017. Archived December 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ya0Kp
- 2“Dan Wilks,” Forbes, December 30, 2017. Archived December 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ya0Kp
- 3Bill Berkowitz. “Meet the Frackers: Right-Wing Billionaire Brothers’ Biblical Ambitions,” Truth-Out, September 8, 2014. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/KX5tw
- 4“The Wilks Brothers: Fracking Sugar Daddies For The Far Right,” Right Wing Watch, June 12, 2014. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/AxtmA
- 5“Revival in America? Time to Get off the Sidelines!” The Christian Journal, August 8, 2013. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFaqa
- 6Peter Montgomery. “Why Do Republican Officials Keep Partnering With Christian-Nation Extremist David Lane?” People for the American Way, June 12, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nZLLa
- 7“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archived July 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
- 8“Report: State’s largest landowners keep expanding,” Billings Gazette, October 23, 2014.
- 9Bria Shea. “Fracking Titans Spend Millions Proselytizing School Children,” Rewire, April 30, 2015. Archived August 29, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/SphpV
- 10Bria Shea. “Fracking Titans Spend Millions Proselytizing School Children,” Rewire, April 30, 2015. Archived August 29, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/SphpV
- 11“What they Haven’t Told You About Climate Change,” PragerU, July 26, 2015. Archived May 31, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/2CjQC
- 12“NRO’s Dennis Prager: Campus Rape Culture Is A ‘Gargantuan Lie to Get Votes,’” Media Matters, October 30, 2014. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.
- 13“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
- 14“What they Haven’t Told You About Climate Change,” PragerU, July 26, 2015.
- 15Peter Stone. “Texas fracking billionaire brothers fuel rightwing media with millions of dollars,” The Guardian, September 5, 2023. Archived February 29, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/okAVn
- 16Peter Stone. “Texas fracking billionaire brothers fuel rightwing media with millions of dollars,” The Guardian, September 5, 2023. Archived February 29, 2024. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/okAVn
- 17Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
- 18Katie Zezima. “Ted Cruz huddles with faith leaders at ranch of super PAC donor,” The Washington Post, December 29, 2015. Archived January 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFtyd
- 19Katie Zezima. “Ted Cruz huddles with faith leaders at ranch of super PAC donor,” The Washington Post, December 29, 2015. Archived January 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YFtyd
- 20Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
- 21Theodore Schleifer. “First on CNN: Billionaire brothers give Cruz super PAC million,” July 27, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d3xUy
- 22“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
- 23“Special Report: Touting morality, billionaire Texas brothers top 2016 donor list,” Reuters, September 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/m6zH1
- 24Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 25Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 26Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 27Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 28Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 29Brie Shea. “Local Control? Texas Fracking Billionaires Say ‘Not So Fast’,” Rewire, June 2, 2015. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/frNzU
- 30“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- 31“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- 32“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
- 33“Executive Profile: Dan H. Wilks,” Bloomberg. Archived December 31, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dg9pp
