Fact Checking

Conservative U.S. Podcasters Deny Involvement in Russian Influence Operation

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Six conservative influencers, including Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson, were unknowingly part of a company accused of being a front for a Russian influence operation, according to a U.S. Department of Justice indictment. The indictment alleges that RT employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva funneled nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based company to produce content that aligned with Kremlin interests, such as weakening U.S. opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The DOJ does not accuse the influencers of wrongdoing but claims they were misled about the funding source. Pool responded, “We still do not know what is true as these are only allegations,” adding, “Putin is a scumbag.” Johnson stated that he had provided content for a media startup under a standard deal, which was later terminated. Rubin also denied any knowledge of the scheme, stating, “I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity.”

Kalashnikov and Afanasyeva face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). U.S. authorities have previously warned of Russian influence in U.S. elections, with intelligence officials noting Moscow’s preference for Donald Trump in past elections.

While the indictment does not directly name the Tennessee company, it is believed to be Tenet Media, which hosts content from Pool, Johnson, Rubin, and others. Tenet Media has featured conservative guests such as Lara Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Kari Lake. Influencers tied to the company reportedly received lucrative contracts, with one receiving $400,000 monthly, plus bonuses.

Prosecutors allege that Tenet Media’s content and shows have garnered over 16 million views on YouTube.