Conservative Influencers Allegedly Duped into Russian Influence Campaign
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), several conservative influencers may have unknowingly been part of a Russian influence campaign. The indictment, which was unsealed on Wednesday, alleges that a Tennessee-based media company, Tenet Media, received nearly $10 million from employees of Russian state-backed media company, Russia Today (RT). The funds were allegedly used to create and distribute content to U.S. audiences with concealed Russian government messaging.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
The DOJ alleges that RT and two of its employees, Kostiantyn “Kostya” Kalashnikov and Elena “Lena” Afanasyeva, funneled money to Tenet Media as part of covert projects aimed at shaping narratives within Western audiences. The influencers, including Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Dave Rubin, and Lauren Southern, were reportedly unaware that they were receiving Russian money. They were told by Tenet founder Lauren Chen, who allegedly knew the true source of the funds, that the money was from a wealthy private investor named "Eduard Grigoriann."
Reactions from the Influencers
At least one of the influencers requested a profile on Grigoriann before signing a contract and was given a fabricated one-page profile. This was apparently enough for two of the commentators, believed to be Tim Pool and Benny Johnson, to sign contracts. Pool was paid $100,000 per podcast, while Johnson was paid $400,000 per month plus a $100,000 signing bonus for "four weekly videos."
Pool and Johnson have since issued statements. Pool stated that if the allegations prove true, he and the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims. Johnson stated that their lawyers negotiated a standard, arms-length deal, which was later terminated. He added that they were disturbed by the allegations in the indictment, which made clear that he and other influencers were victims in this alleged scheme.
Timing of the Allegations
The timing of these allegations, coming two months before an election, has raised some eyebrows. Questions have been raised about how long the DOJ has been aware of this situation and why it was revealed a day after the discovery of a Chinese spy working for NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, or that Poole was planning to sue Kamala Harris for defamation.
Bottom Line
This case serves as a reminder of the complex and often deceptive world of media and influence. It raises questions about the transparency of funding sources and the responsibility of influencers in verifying the origins of their funding. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think these influencers were truly deceived, or should they have done more due diligence? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
