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It was only weeks ago that an apparent Russian disinformation influence operation fooled several prominent right-wing figures such as Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson. The influencers were associated with a media company that had been covertly funded by Russian-state-controlled organizations, according to the U.S. indictment. This business, later identified as Tenet Media, was then used to create political messaging sympathetic to the Russian perspective, mirroring Russia’s geopolitical strategy of deepening American divisions and endorsing Moscow’s policies, particularly regarding the Ukraine war.
Who Were the Influencers Behind This?
Influencers’ Names and Roles
In the indictment, named influencers include former journalist turned YouTuber Tim Pool, libertarian figure Dave Rubin, and Trump supporter Benny Johnson. Collectively, they have millions of followers on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). They claim they were unaware of the true source of the funding and fell victim to what ultimately was a manipulation scheme.
Who Is Dave Rubin?
He is a political commentator, author, and podcast host. He is the creator and host of “The Rubin Report,” a political talk show that features interviews with prominent figures from across the political spectrum. Rubin is known for his libertarian views and has been a vocal advocate for free speech and limited government. He gained significant attention for his critiques of left-wing politics and his support for conservative and libertarian ideas.
Who Is Benny Johnson?
He is a conservative political commentator and social media personality. He is known for his work as a writer and contributor to various right-wing media outlets. Johnson gained prominence through his viral social media posts and commentary on political issues, often aligning with pro-Trump and conservative viewpoints. He has also worked as a correspondent for the conservative news site The Daily Caller.
How Were the Russian Operatives Accused?
Russian Operatives Charged
Among the defendants last month were RT (a Russian state media company) employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, who are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). They allegedly paid nearly $10 million to Tenet Media to produce pro-Russian messaging.
What Is the U.S. Doing in Response?
U.S. Government’s Reaction
The U.S. Department of Justice has taken action in response, including seizing 32 websites in a broader effort to combat Russian disinformation campaigns known as Doppelganger. This initiative aims to prevent foreign influence in U.S. elections.
What Does This Mean for the Influencers and Their Platforms?
Influencers’ Media Companies
When faced with criticism, the influencers have protested, insisting that they did not realize what they were agreeing to. Tenet Media, the company in question, is an influence shop that has worked with other prominent conservative figures and built a large online audience. Tenet Media was responsible for creating influential content, amassing millions of views on YouTube.
The Larger Picture of Russian Interference
A Light in the Dark: A Brief History of Russian Meddling
This incident reflects the broader trend of ongoing Russian efforts to influence U.S. politics. The Kremlin has used similar tactics in past elections to support candidates who align with its goals and undermine U.S. democracy. The indictment and new actions against Russian influence operations underscore persistent concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections.
What Are the Next Steps?
Continuing Investigations & Next Steps
The ongoing threat of foreign interference and the need to respond effectively remain a priority. U.S. officials must maintain vigilance against foreign influence threats across all sectors of American society. Both the DOJ and FBI have committed to investigating these operations and countering them to preserve the integrity of U.S. elections.
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