Employees of the Russia-backed media network RT were involved in a scheme that sent millions of dollars to prominent right-wing commentators through a media company that appears to match the description of Tenet Media. Two RT employees, Konstantin Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, were indicted for implementing a nearly $10 million plan to fund the Tennessee-based company as a covert project to influence American politics through social media platforms. The company, registered in Tennessee and changed its name in May 2023, partnered with commentators such as Lauren Southern, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and others. The indictment alleges that the commentators were unaware they were being paid by Russian efforts and were deceived about the source of the funding.
The U.S. government’s move to target Russian-sponsored attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion included the charges against the RT employees for money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The indictment revealed how RT officials created various covert projects to shape public opinions of Western audiences, using U.S. citizens as intermediaries with pro-Trump political commentators. The indictment also mentioned internal communications where the commentators drove a hard bargain regarding their payment.
The indictment adds to growing scrutiny on internet commentators who have embraced Trump and his worldview. Tim Pool and Dave Rubin, among others, have become popular online influencers with strong support for Trump and conservative causes. The scheme highlights Russia’s attempts to covertly finance U.S. media operations, with Tenet Media being a significant example of such efforts.
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