US Accuses Russia of Trying to Influence 2024 Election

The U.S. has charged and sanctioned several Russian state media executives and Kremlin-linked news outlets as part of an election interference probe.

The Details: The Department of Justice claims Russian state-funded RT (Lean Right bias) paid $10 million to a Tennessee-based media company to “create and distribute content to US audiences with hidden Russian government messaging.” The U.S. also seized 32 internet domains it believes the Russians were using to “promote AI-generated false narratives.”

Charges: The Treasury Department sanctioned 10 RT employees, including editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, who it described as a “central figure in Russian government malign influence efforts.” The DOJ is also charging two for money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

For Context: The Tennessee company that allegedly received the funding is reportedly Tenet Media, which lists online personalities like Tim Pool (Lean Right bias) and Benny Johnson as some of its creators. In July, the DOJ seized a Russian “bot farm” that it claimed was established by RT and was being used to “spread disinformation in the United States and abroad.” In response to the seizure, RT’s press office said, “Farming is a beloved pastime for millions of Russians.”

Key Quotes: Garland said in a statement on Wednesday, “An internal planning document created by the Kremlin states that it is a goal of the campaign to secure Russia’s preferred outcome in the election.” In response to the accusations, RT said, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA,” and “2016 called and it wants its clichés back.”