US: Right-Wing Influencers Duped by Covert Russian Influence Operation

NEW YORK — A significant indictment has surfaced, detailing how a media company linked to six prominent conservative influencers was allegedly funded by Russian state media workers. U.S. prosecutors claim that this operation aimed to produce English-language videos aligning with the interests of the Kremlin, particularly in contributing to divisions within the United States that could weaken the country’s opposition to Russian agendas, including its ongoing war in Ukraine.

This development follows a series of similar disclosures regarding Russia’s attempts to meddle in U.S. political affairs during past presidential elections. The indictment sheds light on how Moscow is leveraging the growing influence of right-wing content creators, such as podcasters and livestreamers, many of whom gained prominence during and after Donald Trump’s presidency.

The Justice Department does not allege wrongdoing on the part of the influencers, some of whom reportedly were misled about the funding source of the media company. Instead, the indictment focuses on two employees from RT, a Russian state media outlet, charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva are currently at large, and it remains uncertain whether they have legal representation. Following the announcement of the indictments, influencers Tim Pool and Benny Johnson both took to social media to assert their innocence, claiming they were victims of the alleged scheme.

“We still do not know what is true, as these are only allegations,” Pool stated. He did not shy away from criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, dubbing him a “scumbag.” Johnson, on the other hand, recounted being approached last year to create content for a “media startup” and mentioned that a deal was negotiated but eventually canceled.

While U.S. officials have cautioned about Russia’s reliance on unwitting Americans to facilitate its influence campaigns in the upcoming 2024 elections, this indictment offers the most comprehensive account of those tactics to date. Intelligence officials have indicated that Russia seems to prefer Trump as a candidate.

During the 2020 election, Putin directed efforts to assist Trump’s campaign, building on interference that began in 2016 through hacks and covert social media strategies orchestrated by Russian operatives.

The decline of traditional media and strict advertising regulations across social platforms have led to influencers assuming a crucial role in political discourse and public opinion. Recently, both major political parties have engaged numerous influencers to amplify their messages during national conventions, raising concerns about transparency regarding the funding behind such influencers’ content.

Although the indictment does not name the Tennessee-based company, it closely resembles Tenet Media, a digital media company that highlights a collection of diverse commentators covering political and cultural topics. This company lists several influencers, including Pool, Johnson, and others, contributing to its content.

The influencers associated with Tenet Media collectively hold over 7 million subscribers on YouTube and an equal number of followers on social media platform X. Their followers, who resonate with their conservative viewpoints, have built strong online communities, particularly among those disenchanted with mainstream media following Trump’s 2020 defeat and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some influencers have been reportedly compensated significantly for their contributions, with one unnamed influencer’s agreement including a monthly payment of $400,000, alongside a $100,000 signing bonus and additional performance-related bonuses.

Over recent months, Tenet Media’s programming has featured notable conservative figures, including Lara Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Kari Lake, garnering over 16 million views across nearly 2,000 videos on platforms like YouTube, as per the prosecutors.

Tim Pool, a journalist-turned-Youtuber recognized for his coverage of the Occupy Wall Street movement, achieved significant visibility this year after hosting Trump on his podcast. Benny Johnson, a vocal Trump supporter and internet figure, previously faced termination from BuzzFeed for plagiarism. Dave Rubin, formerly affiliated with the liberal platform “The Young Turks,” has since emerged as a libertarian with a thriving YouTube channel.

Tenet Media’s president, Liam Donovan, is married to Lauren Chen, a Canadian influencer appearing frequently in Tenet’s content. Chen is linked to Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, and has previously contributed to right-leaning media outlets.

The implications of this indictment could resonate deeply within the landscape of political media as the 2024 election cycle progresses, heightening scrutiny over the influence and motivations of content creators.

Source: AP News