Russia Accused of Attempting to Influence 2024 Presidential Election Through Conservative Media Company

The Department of Justice has accused Russia of secretly funding a Tennessee-based media company as a scheme to push divisive propaganda in an attempt to influence the 2024 presidential election. Conservative media personalities tied to the company claim to be victims of the alleged scheme.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a shocking indictment alleging that a pair of Russian state media staffers covertly funded a Tennessee-based American content creation company, later identified as Tenet Media. According to the indictment, RT employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva paid nearly $10 million to Tenet Media, which was allegedly laundered through a series of shell companies. The Russian-backed American company published nearly 2,000 videos to social media platforms, including X and YouTube, failing to inform viewers of its Kremlin funding. The videos were created by paid conservative influencers.

Tenet Media describes itself as "a network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues." It employs widely followed conservative commentators Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, Lauren Southern, Taylor Hansen, and Matt Christiansen. These individuals, supporters of former President Trump, are not accused of any wrongdoing. However, several of them have spoken out after the indictment was announced, claiming to be victims of the alleged scheme.

Russia Accused of Attempting to Influence 2024 Presidential Election Through Conservative Media Company

Benny Johnson stated that his company negotiated a standard agreement with Tenet Media and terminated it later. He emphasized that he and other influencers were victims. Dave Rubin denied knowledge of the alleged fraud and stated that he and other commentators were victims. Tim Pool asserted that if the allegations are true, he and other personalities were "deceived and are victims."

Taylor Hansen expressed his shock at the allegations and stated that he was never directed to report on any topic and had complete freedom and control over his reporting. Attorney General Merrick Garland affirmed that the DOJ will "be aggressive in countering and disrupting attempts by the Russian government, or any other malign actor, to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy."

Russia Accused of Attempting to Influence 2024 Presidential Election Through Conservative Media Company

RT, the Russian state media outlet formerly known as Russia Today, responded to the allegations with sarcasm, suggesting that the interference claims are a recycled trope. The Justice Department previously made RT register as a foreign agent in 2017.

The DOJ indictment alleges that the videos published by Tenet Media contained commentary on various events and issues in the United States, such as immigration, inflation, and foreign policy, which aligned with the Russian government's interests in exacerbating domestic divisions and weakening American opposition to Russia's activities, including its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russia Accused of Attempting to Influence 2024 Presidential Election Through Conservative Media Company

The investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the 2024 presidential election remains ongoing. The DOJ's actions demonstrate the government's determination to protect the integrity of the democratic process and prevent foreign actors from influencing electoral outcomes.