Russia pays $10 million for propaganda in 2023
- Lauren Chen received $10 million from the Russian government to promote propaganda through Tenet Media.
- The Justice Department alleges that this funding was primarily sourced from the Russian state-controlled media company RT.
- The case illustrates the risks of foreign influence in domestic discourse, particularly through social media influencers.
In 2023, the Justice Department revealed that Lauren Chen, a Canadian American influencer, received $10 million from the Russian government to promote its propaganda. This funding was allegedly funneled through RT, a state-controlled media company, to co-found Tenet Media in Tennessee. The DOJ claims that nearly 90% of Tenet's total cash deposits originated from these Russian funds, which were used to pay commentators who were unaware of the source of the financing. The content produced by Tenet Media was designed to align with Russian interests, particularly in exacerbating divisions within the United States and undermining opposition to Russia's actions, including its war in Ukraine. Despite producing around 2,000 videos that garnered only 16 million views on YouTube, the impact of this propaganda effort was significant in terms of its intent to influence public opinion. The indictment highlights the role of influencers in modern media, suggesting that they can be easily manipulated for foreign agendas. Chen's actions, including her controversial statements regarding American Jews, raise questions about her motivations and the implications of accepting foreign funding. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by foreign interference in domestic politics, particularly in the context of social media and influencer culture. The case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the relationships between influencers and foreign entities.