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| MAGA INFLUENCERS BECOME RUSSIAN USEFUL IDIOTS |
Benny Johnson and Tim Pool, two prominent mouthpieces in the MAGA media ecosystem, have long presented themselves as truth-tellers exposing the lies of the mainstream press. However, recent revelations from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) show that both of these figures, along with other influencers like Dave Rubin, and Tayler Hansen, were involved in a Russian-funded disinformation campaign, whether they knew it or not. According to a federal indictment, Russian state-backed entities funneled nearly $10 million into a media company believed to be Tenet Media, which employed Johnson, Pool, and others. While all of them claim they were unaware of the source of the funding, ignorance does not absolve one from the law.
Benny Johnson, no stranger to controversy, was fired from BuzzFeed in 2014 for plagiarism, an incident that had already called into question his credibility as a journalist. BuzzFeed’s internal review found over 40 instances of plagiarism in Johnson’s work, tarnishing his reputation. This history of ethical breaches only adds to the weight of his involvement in the Russian disinformation scheme. While he claims to have been an unwitting participant, his track record suggests a pattern of irresponsibility when it comes to the accuracy and integrity of his work.
Dave Rubin, who has positioned himself as a free speech advocate and critic of mainstream media, now finds himself entangled in a scheme designed to manipulate American public opinion for Russian interests. Rubin’s significant following only magnifies the reach of the disinformation he helped spread, and while he insists that he was deceived by Tenet Media’s founders, his negligence in not thoroughly investigating the company’s funding is glaring. The law does not excuse such ignorance, especially when the content in question aims to interfere with American elections. Rubin, like the others, must face the reality that he played a key role in spreading harmful narratives.
Tayler Hansen, another key figure in this media operation, was also swept into this disinformation campaign. Known for his activism and strong right-wing commentary, Hansen’s involvement underscores the pervasive nature of this Russian influence operation. While he, too, claims to be a victim of the scheme, Hansen’s participation in spreading propaganda—whether knowingly or not—poses a serious threat to American democracy. The DOJ’s investigation shows that all of these influencers, including Hansen, Rubin, Johnson, Pool were integral parts of a larger effort to sway public opinion in favor of Russian interests
It’s important to understand that being "unwitting" participants in a foreign propaganda campaign does not negate the seriousness of their actions. The DOJ has made it clear that violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and conspiracy to commit money laundering are at the heart of this case. Johnson, Pool, Rubin, Hansen may not have known that Russian agents were behind the scenes, but the law still holds individuals accountable for their role in disseminating content designed to undermine American democracy. The DOJ’s pursuit of these violations underscores that such influence operations are not minor infractions; they are crimes that strike at the core of national security.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, in his recent address before Congress, emphasized the significance of this case as part of a broader effort to counter foreign interference in U.S. elections. Garland made it clear that this kind of operation represents a "bigger threat than it ever was before" and that the U.S. government will be "relentlessly aggressive" in pursuing individuals and organizations involved in these schemes. Whether Pool, Johnson, Rubin, Hansen knowingly participated or were merely useful idiots in a larger operation is irrelevant when the consequences are this dire. The damage has been done, and the law will hopefully hold those responsible accountable.
Pool, Johnson, and their colleagues have all issued statements claiming victimhood, asserting that they were deceived by Tenet Media’s founders. However, this defense feels hollow in light of the indictment. When dealing with political content that could shape public opinion and influence elections, due diligence is not just recommended—it’s required. Pool's and Johnson's claims that they were merely engaging in a “standard business deal” – and yet they ignored the profound responsibility that comes with their platform sizes. Their negligence, whether deliberate or accidental, helped spread Russian propaganda aimed at destabilizing the U.S. democracy.
Furthermore, the law offers little sympathy for those who claim ignorance. Under FARA, anyone acting on behalf of a foreign government must register and disclose their activities, whether they are aware of the connection or not. The DOJ’s indictment makes it clear that the influencers involved in this scheme, including Rubin and Hansen, were tools in a larger Russian disinformation campaign. Even if they were unaware, their actions contributed to spreading narratives that benefitted a foreign adversary. Ignorance is not a defense when national security is at stake.
As Congress continues to investigate foreign interference in U.S. elections, this case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above scrutiny, especially when national security is involved. The DOJ has taken a hardline stance on foreign interference, and cases like this illustrate why. The fact that Johnson, Pool, Rubin, Hansen were used as unwitting agents of Russian influence - does not make their actions any less dangerous or harmful. Their platforms helped spread divisive narratives, and for that, they should be held accountable by both the law and their audiences.
Together, these five influencers represent a significant portion of the extreme MAGA alternative media landscape that appeals to audiences disillusioned with mainstream outlets. Their collective failure to recognize the origins of their funding or question the intent behind the content they were producing has serious consequences. The DOJ’s aggressive pursuit of this case signals that foreign interference will not be tolerated, no matter how large or influential the figures involved may be. Whether it’s Rubin’s insistence on free speech, Pool’s claim to be a victim, or Johnson’s dismissive stance on his role, the law is clear: ignorance is not a defense when it comes to safeguarding national security
As the DOJ continues to uncover more about this operation, the involvement of Rubin, Johnson, Pool, and Hansen, underscores the broader issue of accountability in media. With thousands of followers and significant influence, these individuals cannot afford to be reckless in their business dealings. Their failure to recognize the signs of foreign interference has had devastating consequences, and they now face both legal and public scrutiny. The intertwining of their stories reveals a disturbing trend of media figures being used as tools for foreign powers, whether they realize it or not, the involvement of these influencers demonstrates the pervasive nature of Russian influence operations. Whether through negligence, willful blindness, or just being plain fucking stupid, they contributed to the spread of dangerous disinformation that threatens the fabric of American democracy. Their audiences deserve better, and the law should hold them accountable for their actions, regardless of their claimed ignorance.
I guess in MAGA land, those supposedly against fake news, spread fake news! MAGA influencing requires zero fact checking, and they stand by the creed and motto of, never ever let facts get in the way of great bullshit story.
In the end, Johnson, Pool, Rubin, Hansen’s involvement in this Russian disinformation campaign highlights a broader issue with the MAGA media ecosystem: a reckless disregard for the truth. Whether intentional or not, they played a role in promoting Kremlin-backed narratives. They may try to paint themselves as victims of an elaborate scheme, but the fact remains—they helped spread disinformation that threatens the integrity of American democracy. Their audiences should demand more accountability from those who claim to stand for truth while spreading falsehoods.
Let’s make an example out of these influencers…..lock these MOFO’s up!
Editor-In-Chief
Roger West
