US Right-Wing Influencers "Mouthpieces" For Russian Propaganda: Report
NDTV
According to the report, court documents unsealed this week revealed that Russian state media funnelled nearly $10 million through a Tennessee-based online media company, identified as Tenet Media.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has alleged that several prominent right-wing social media influencers were unknowingly part of a Russian operation designed to sway the 2024 US presidential elections, CNN reported. The influencers, who collectively reach millions of Americans, were allegedly used as "mouthpieces" for Russian propaganda without being aware of the foreign influence behind their financial support. My statement regarding allegations and the DOJ IndictmentShould these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company as to what they do or to what they are instructed… A statement on the leaked DOJ indictment today:A year ago, a media startup pitched my company to provide content as an independent contractor. Our lawyers negotiated a standard, arms length deal, which was later terminated. We are disturbed by the allegations in today's… Statement on the DOJ indictment:These allegations clearly show that I and other commentators were the victims of this scheme.I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period.‘People of the Internet' was a silly show covering viral videos which ended… pic.twitter.com/KQHYDUi3ot
According to the report, court documents unsealed this week revealed that Russian state media funnelled nearly $10 million through a Tennessee-based online media company, identified by CNN as Tenet Media. The company employed well-known right-wing commentators such as Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Lauren Southern, Tayler Hansen, Matt Christiansen, and Dave Rubin. While these individuals were not directly accused of wrongdoing, the indictment has shed light on how they may have unknowingly advanced Russian interests.
Two employees of Russian state media were charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and money laundering. The DOJ states that Russia's goal was to push narratives that aligned with Kremlin objectives, such as promoting domestic political division, weakening US support for Ukraine, and boosting conservative figures like Donald Trump.
