DOJ Bombshell Alleges MAGA Media Group Is Backed by Russian Money
www.thedailybeast.com
A media company matching the description of Tenet Media, which hosts six MAGA commentators, allegedly received $10 million from Russian sources, according to an indictment.

A Tennessee-based media company with prominent MAGA personalities on its roster has been accused of receiving millions of dollars from two employees of Russian state-backed media company Russia Today (RT) in order to influence American viewers.

According to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the Russian employees created a $10 million scheme “to create and distribute content to U.S. audiences with hidden Russian government messaging.”

  • 2piradians@lemmy.worldEnglish
    45·
    3 months ago

    It wouldn’t be surprising to hear the influencers knew full well they were being funded by Russia.

    Nor would it be surprising to learn they were completely duped since they’re into that sort of thing–just like their followers.

    • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
      18·
      3 months ago

      The NPR story I just recently listened to seems to claim it’s a mix of the two. Or maybe a bunch of them are lying.

      • realcaseyrollinsEnglish
        10·
        3 months ago

        I saw an X thread that alleged that Lauren Chen and her husband were the ones who worked with the Russians and tricked the other commentators, although they thought that things looked a lil bit fishy.

        https://x.com/AGHamilton29/status/1831429242292465879

        But that’s not proof, just an X thread, I’d like to see more analysis on this.

        Edit: Which NPR show did you listen to? I’d like to hear that episode.

        • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
          3·
          3 months ago

          I wish I knew, I was driving at the time. Maybe the morning edition or Upfirst? With the app, they just start playing until I select something specific.

          • realcaseyrollinsEnglish
            21·
            3 months ago

            I have both those podcasts in my app so I’ll see if I can find the story in their most recent episodes. Thanks!

    • ansiz@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      3 months ago

      Duped but I’d say more than willingly duped since it’s not hard to pick up on the slant of the ‘news’ angle they are being pushed to put out. Someone is giving you $100k a month and they decided to not rock the boat.