Employees of the Russia-backed media network RT funded a scheme that sent millions of dollars to prominent right-wing commentators through a media company named Tenet Media. The indictment of two RT employees, Konstantin Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, includes allegations of implementing a nearly $10 million plan to influence American politics. Tenet Media partnered with commentators like Lauren Southern, Tim Pool, Tayler Hansen, Matt Christiansen, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson. The indictment revealed that some commentators were unaware that they were being paid by Russian efforts and had been deceived about the funding source.
The indictment also highlighted how RT officials created covert projects to shape public opinion by using U.S. citizens as intermediaries to pro-Trump political commentators. Some commentators drove a hard bargain for payment, with one quoted demanding $5 million annually to be interested. The indictment alleged that RT operatives misrepresented the company’s sponsor as a fictional private investor, while they privately acknowledged their real investors were “the Russians.”
The indictment adds scrutiny to internet commentators who have embraced Trump’s worldview, like Tim Pool and Dave Rubin. Pool has been a supporter of Trump and a critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine, viewing the country as an enemy. Rubin, a self-described libertarian, has promoted fringe voices and criticized Ukraine’s stance against Russia. The scheme also involves other commentators like Lauren Southern and Benny Johnson.
This indictment is part of efforts by the Biden administration to target Russian government-sponsored attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion. It highlights the lengths to which foreign entities may go to influence and shape American politics through covert means.
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