Federal prosecutors have filed a damaging indictment alleging that a prominent conservative media organization, likely Tenet Media, was funded by Russian state-owned media.
At a Glance
- Six conservative influencers, including Tim Pool and Dave Rubin, were unknowingly funded by Russian state media employees.
- Prosecutors allege the company produced content promoting Kremlin interests to sow divisions in U.S. politics.
- The Justice Department emphasizes the influencers were misled about the source of the funding.
- The indictment details Russian influence operations in the 2024 election.
- Founders created a false investor persona to influence commentators.
DOJ Allegations
Federal prosecutors from the Department of Justice have filed an indictment alleging that a leading conservative media organization was funded by Russian state-owned media. While the organization is not named explicitly, it is likely Tenet Media, based on the detailed descriptions. This indictment questions the integrity of the media company’s editorial independence and raises concerns about foreign influence infiltrating U.S. political discourse.
The indictment states that six well-known conservative personalities, including Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson, were unknowingly funded by Russian state media employees. These individuals created English-language videos aligning with Kremlin interests, amplifying domestic divisions in the U.S.
Key Figures Involved
The Justice Department has charged two RT employees, Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva are accused of manipulating the media company’s financial relationships to promote Russian narratives. The U.S. Justice Department specifically points out that the influencers themselves were not aware of the true source of their funding.
Tim Pool’s Response
Tim Pool addressed the allegations by stating, “We still do not know what is true as these are only allegations. Putin is a ****bag.” This sentiment reflects the confusion and frustration felt by the influencers, who were caught between their audience and the serious charges levied against the media company.
The company involved, believed to be Tenet Media, never disclosed its funding and direction by RT, nor did it register as an agent of a foreign principal. The founders created a fake investor persona, “Eduard Grigoriann,” to solicit work from commentators. The contracts involved significant financial compensation, including a $400,000 monthly fee and a $100,000 signing bonus.
Broader Implications
According to DOJ sources, RT funneled $10 million through shell entities to Tenet Media. This funding represented nearly 90% of Tenet’s bank deposits, with most funds disbursed to contracted commentators. The Justice Department emphasized that it would not tolerate foreign propaganda efforts and that the investigation is ongoing. These revelations are part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to counter Russian attempts to manipulate U.S. public opinion ahead of elections.
“Should these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company as to what they do or to what they are instructed.”
These charges mark the most detailed description of Russia’s influence operations in the 2024 election, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by foreign interference in American politics. The scrutinized company has also been noted for its role in spreading political misinformation. The broader implications of such foreign influence efforts call for a thorough investigation to ensure the integrity of U.S. political discourse remains intact.
Sources
1. Right-wing influencers were duped to work for covert Russian influence operation, US says
