ADevilYouKhow
Rhyme Reason
U.S. Accuses Russian TV Network of Conducting Covert Intelligence Acts
Sanctions announced on Friday are an effort to undercut RT by making it difficult for the network to conduct global business in dollars.
A bunch of conservative influencers nabbed in Russian money laundering plot…hilarity ensues
- Thread starter ☑︎#VoteDemocrat
- Start date
How Elon Musk amplified content from a suspected Russian election interference plot
Musk, apparently unaware of the company’s Russia funding source, engaged with content from Tenet Media and its creators at least 60 times.
www.nbcnews.com
How Elon Musk amplified content from a suspected Russian election interference plot
Musk, apparently unaware of the company’s Russia funding source, engaged with content from Tenet Media and its creators at least 60 times.
Elon Musk in New York City on Sept. 8. Jean Catuffe / GC Images via Getty Images file
Sept. 18, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
By David Ingram
As Elon Musk increasingly weighed in on politics in the last several years, he used his massive following on his social media app X to repeatedly amplify content from a company that appears to be at the center of an alleged Russian covert operation to manipulate U.S. public opinion ahead of the 2024 election.
Musk, one of the world’s richest people, boosted content from creators and accounts tied to Tenet Media at least 60 times, resharing the operation’s posts and engaging in back-and-forth replies with Tenet’s paid pundits on X.
Musk’s posts, shared with his 198 million followers, put Russia-aligned conservative talking points in front of possibly tens of millions of eyeballs, according to the viewership data published by X, and he did so apparently without knowledge of the alleged Russian money behind the operation.
An earlier NBC News review of Tenet’s videos combined with details from government indictments illustrated how the company amplified conservatives who had already embraced many talking points favored by former President Donald Trump and Russia, in line with the country’s broader propaganda goals.
In July, Musk reshared a post from a Tenet Media account defending comments by Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, that “you won’t have to vote anymore” if Trump returns to the White House, and Musk’s reshare received 28 million views, according to X.
Tenet Media appeared to seek out Musk’s attention, posting about Musk or tagging his account more than 50 times since the media company’s launch last November, often on the subject of Trump and the presidential election.
Tenet launched last year as a kind of supergroup for conservative pundits seemingly out of nowhere, bringing together established podcasters such as Dave Rubin and Benny Johnson with younger and less experienced influencers.
Tenet has ceased releasing new material since federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment on Sept. 4 charging two employees of Russia-backed media network RT of directing a $10 million scheme to launder pro-Russian views through conservative American commentators. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the operation was an attempt to “trick Americans into unwittingly consuming foreign propaganda.”
Tenet and its stable of pundits were not specifically named in the indictment, but Tenet’s makeup matches the indictment’s description of a media company that called itself a “network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues.” Since the indictment was unsealed, numerous high-profile Tenet creators have spoken out calling themselves “victims.”
If the allegations in the indictment prove true (or similar), Musk would serve as a high-profile example of how Russia-associated actors were able to bait a target into engaging with their content and sharing it.
Musk can bring enormous attention to an account with his posts because he has the largest following on X. And even a reply from him can boost another account, because replies sometimes show up in people’s feeds.
Musk also shared Russia-aligned talking points outside the context of the conspiracy alleged in the recent indictment, according to a report Tuesday by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Citing records from a Russian disinformation campaign, the news service said that an internet meme denigrating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and shared on X last year by Musk was made by a Moscow-based company called Social Design Agency.
Musk did not respond to an email Tuesday asking about the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty report and about his sharing of Tenet Media content. Representatives for X also did not respond to a request for comment about Musk or about X’s handling of Tenet content.
In posts on X, Musk has appeared unconcerned about Russia’s influence operations. The day the Tenet Media indictment was announced, Musk reacted with the “tears of joy” emoji to another user’s unproven theory that the covert project may have backfired by causing infighting among conservatives.
The day after the indictment dropped, Musk accused The Associated Press of pushing anti-Trump “propaganda” in its coverage of Tenet Media. And he posted in defense of the right-wing podcasters \ Tenet had retained, agreeing with another conservative commentator, Ben Shapiro, that the men were deceived.
Other commentators have accused the people paid by Tenet of being too easily deceived and of failing to ask enough questions of the people paying them.
Josephine Lukito, who studies Russian disinformation as an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s journalism school, said Musk’s amplification of Tenet content fit a pattern for the tech billionaire.
“As the owner of a social media platform, Musk certainly should be vetting content he shares more. But it doesn’t surprise me that he is not apologetic about this, as Musk has, in the past, shared misleading or inaccurate information without, seemingly, any concern,” Lukito said in an email. (Musk has shared misleading claims about anti-Muslim riots in the U.K. and inaccurate information about voting, for example.)
“At this point, we should expect this as a norm for Musk, and not an outlier of his activity,” she said.
Musk has frequently replied to or reposted content from three conservative pundits formerly paid by Tenet: Tim Pool, Dave Rubin and Benny Johnson. From the public launch of Tenet Media in November 2023 until the release of the indictment, Musk interacted with Pool’s account at least 32 times, Rubin’s at least 11 times and Johnson’s at least nine times, according to searches of X’s archives. He did so on a wide array of subjects including immigration, presidential politics and homelessness.
Tech platforms are split on what to do with Tenet’s back catalog of videos. YouTube and Meta removed Tenet’s accounts, citing their policies against disinformation, while X and right-wing video platform Rumble have left up Tenet’s content.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to tackle the subject of foreign threats to elections in a hearing Wednesday afternoon. Among the scheduled witnesses are executives from Google’s parent company, Alphabet; Facebook’s parent company, Meta; and Microsoft. A representative for X was not at the hearing because the company “declined to send an appropriate witness,” a representative for the committee chair, Mark Warner, D-Va., said in an emailed statement to CNBC. The hearing was set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
Given Musk’s stature, his amplification of Tenet Media’s content appears to have been unique. NBC News searched for other high-profile individuals who shared Tenet Media content and did not find other CEOs of large tech companies or celebrities who had done so to the same degree.
Musk thrives in the conservative media ecology and has helped to build it, including by allowing previously suspended accounts back onto X since he bought the app two years ago, said Martin Riedl, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“Musk’s stature in the online ecology of the far right is unique,” he said in an email.
In August, Musk replied “!!” to a Tenet post on X criticizing diversity training at NASA. That post by Tenet received 1.9 million views, far more than Tenet’s typical posts, although it’s impossible to determine how much Musk helped. In April, Musk replied with the monocle emoji to a Tenet video about “eco-terrorism.”
Musk has used his influence to spotlight some of Tenet’s individual creators, too. In mid-August, Musk had a back-and-forth with then-Tenet Media pundit Lauren Southern, which began with her saying most people misunderstand Musk and Trump.
“Anyone who thinks the media is real is an idiot,” Musk responded, getting more than 647,000 views.
“Much work to do in reversing this brain rot,” Southern wrote back.
“Much work indeed. And it’s far worse in Europe. People really believe the media there!” Musk replied.
Southern and other commentators formerly employed by Tenet Media have said that they did nothing wrong. The indictment says they were unaware they were being paid by Russian sources and that they had been deceived about the sources.
David Ingram
David Ingram is a tech reporter for NBC News.
dont end up like minisoldr
ADevilYouKhow
Rhyme Reason
Musk needs to be held accountable
1/31
@RexChapman
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before the Foreign Interference Commission, stating that Russian state media has been financially backing both Jordan Peterson and Tucker Carlson.
https://video-ft.twimg.com/amplify_video/1846963315358289932/vid/avc1/1280x720/a-vT7hhaK1oV8WpO.mp4
2/31
@RexChapman
Well well well.
3/31
@RexChapman
This makes the whole Elon, “If he (trump) doesn’t win I’m going to jail.” make sense.
4/31
@RexChapman
This is under oath.
5/31
@Paulintoronto47
Testified under oath. Pretty damn important tidbit for people to absorb if they want to attack what Trudeau had to say. Testifying under oath is something Trump would never do.
6/31
@RexChapman
Correct
7/31
@matthewmccombe1
And he’s getting sued for those comments lol
8/31
@RexChapman
By whom?
9/31
@nograft
Jordan Peterson has been spreading lies and hate for a long time. I'm not surprised Putin was paying him. It's always seemed like he hates Canada. He should move to Russia and stay there!
10/31
@KellyScaletta
I haven't been this shocked since a big burly ball of fired appeared in the sky this morning.
11/31
@ArtCandee
Color me not shocked!
12/31
@PhineasTme
"All of the figures have said they did not know
the funds originated with the Kremlin,
and had no idea they were being employed
for the purpose of amplifying pro-Russia narratives."
This IS EXACTLY the definition of KOMPROMAT!
Duped! Compromised! KOMPROMAT!
America Knows!
America WILL Vote Rid Of KOMPROMAT Trump!
13/31
@cooltxchick
Damn! Not that I’m shocked, but good on Trudeau
14/31
@sandibachom
You should see Michael Flynn's film, he screened at Rod of Iron, Tucker quite prominent
15/31
@veggieto
As a Canadian I can safely say that Justin Trudeau hasn't been our best Prime Minister. But he's not wrong.
16/31
@veggieto
While Peterson is a Canadian citizen. And they do have the right to go after him legally. Let's not forget who is also a Canadian citizen. I'm looking at you Leon.
17/31
@the_x_sir
It was obvious after Tucker visited Russia, gave Putin friendly chat, and pranced around praising Russia.
18/31
@bfry1981
Rex, as I've been arguing for years, the nexus between Russia & right-wing media has been obvious. Please check out my article from 5 YEARS AGO covering key events leading to Trump's 1st impeachment! The Nexus of American Right-Wing and Kremlin Disinformation Exposes Trump-Russia’s Mechanics
19/31
@MoralityPLS
charge them
20/31
@RickAmericus
So this guy @TuckerCarlson is a fukking traitor?
21/31
@MaximumK75753
Always curious about why Jordan Peterson went to Moscow of all places to be treated for his addiction to clonazepam and a severe case of pneumonia.
I mean...who goes to Russia for emergency medical treatment?
22/31
@redvission8
Wouldn't surprise me if the Russians got Elon to buy twitter on their behalf
23/31
@RoughNReady1
I always said that a foreign adversary was responsible for the anti-vax movement. It’s the easiest way kill Americans without stepping foot on American soil. It also amplifies division amongst the U.S. population.
24/31
@JournalistJG
A vote for Trump is a vote for treason, Putin & cop-killers!
[Quoted tweet]
No patriotic vet or American in military service members should vote for this would-be Putin-loving dictator.
Fact: Treasonous Trump puts Russia First, not USA, & stabs allies in the back!
RT video. Act Blue link in comment to support YouTube ads in swing states.
https://video-ft.twimg.com/ext_tw_v...593/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/bpZjkOUI6ZEVamB-.mp4
25/31
@SchnurreZueri
How would Trudeau know?
26/31
@Spookymoonrocks
This should be front page headline news on all networks and our govt should be paying attention and doing something about it!
27/31
@HallmarkJosephH
“Bring me the man and I’ll find you the crime”
28/31
@RickAmericus
Is that same fukk Peterson Bill Maher had in his podcast?
29/31
@stellabelle
30/31
@jason_brigham
Blocked
31/31
@whysosirris
Wonder what @MikeBenzCyber thinks about this
To post tweets in this format, more info here: https://www.thecoli.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-for-posting-the-coli-megathread.984734/post-52211196
@RexChapman
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before the Foreign Interference Commission, stating that Russian state media has been financially backing both Jordan Peterson and Tucker Carlson.
https://video-ft.twimg.com/amplify_video/1846963315358289932/vid/avc1/1280x720/a-vT7hhaK1oV8WpO.mp4
2/31
@RexChapman
Well well well.
3/31
@RexChapman
This makes the whole Elon, “If he (trump) doesn’t win I’m going to jail.” make sense.
4/31
@RexChapman
This is under oath.
5/31
@Paulintoronto47
Testified under oath. Pretty damn important tidbit for people to absorb if they want to attack what Trudeau had to say. Testifying under oath is something Trump would never do.
6/31
@RexChapman
Correct
7/31
@matthewmccombe1
And he’s getting sued for those comments lol
8/31
@RexChapman
By whom?
9/31
@nograft
Jordan Peterson has been spreading lies and hate for a long time. I'm not surprised Putin was paying him. It's always seemed like he hates Canada. He should move to Russia and stay there!
10/31
@KellyScaletta
I haven't been this shocked since a big burly ball of fired appeared in the sky this morning.
11/31
@ArtCandee
Color me not shocked!
12/31
@PhineasTme
"All of the figures have said they did not know
the funds originated with the Kremlin,
and had no idea they were being employed
for the purpose of amplifying pro-Russia narratives."
This IS EXACTLY the definition of KOMPROMAT!
Duped! Compromised! KOMPROMAT!
America Knows!
America WILL Vote Rid Of KOMPROMAT Trump!
13/31
@cooltxchick
Damn! Not that I’m shocked, but good on Trudeau
14/31
@sandibachom
You should see Michael Flynn's film, he screened at Rod of Iron, Tucker quite prominent
15/31
@veggieto
As a Canadian I can safely say that Justin Trudeau hasn't been our best Prime Minister. But he's not wrong.
16/31
@veggieto
While Peterson is a Canadian citizen. And they do have the right to go after him legally. Let's not forget who is also a Canadian citizen. I'm looking at you Leon.
17/31
@the_x_sir
It was obvious after Tucker visited Russia, gave Putin friendly chat, and pranced around praising Russia.
18/31
@bfry1981
Rex, as I've been arguing for years, the nexus between Russia & right-wing media has been obvious. Please check out my article from 5 YEARS AGO covering key events leading to Trump's 1st impeachment! The Nexus of American Right-Wing and Kremlin Disinformation Exposes Trump-Russia’s Mechanics
19/31
@MoralityPLS
charge them
20/31
@RickAmericus
So this guy @TuckerCarlson is a fukking traitor?
21/31
@MaximumK75753
Always curious about why Jordan Peterson went to Moscow of all places to be treated for his addiction to clonazepam and a severe case of pneumonia.
I mean...who goes to Russia for emergency medical treatment?
22/31
@redvission8
Wouldn't surprise me if the Russians got Elon to buy twitter on their behalf
23/31
@RoughNReady1
I always said that a foreign adversary was responsible for the anti-vax movement. It’s the easiest way kill Americans without stepping foot on American soil. It also amplifies division amongst the U.S. population.
24/31
@JournalistJG
A vote for Trump is a vote for treason, Putin & cop-killers!
[Quoted tweet]
No patriotic vet or American in military service members should vote for this would-be Putin-loving dictator.
Fact: Treasonous Trump puts Russia First, not USA, & stabs allies in the back!
RT video. Act Blue link in comment to support YouTube ads in swing states.
https://video-ft.twimg.com/ext_tw_v...593/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/bpZjkOUI6ZEVamB-.mp4
25/31
@SchnurreZueri
How would Trudeau know?
26/31
@Spookymoonrocks
This should be front page headline news on all networks and our govt should be paying attention and doing something about it!
27/31
@HallmarkJosephH
“Bring me the man and I’ll find you the crime”
28/31
@RickAmericus
Is that same fukk Peterson Bill Maher had in his podcast?
29/31
@stellabelle
30/31
@jason_brigham
Blocked
31/31
@whysosirris
Wonder what @MikeBenzCyber thinks about this
To post tweets in this format, more info here: https://www.thecoli.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-for-posting-the-coli-megathread.984734/post-52211196
Can someone get Putin a coli account,he may be trying to reach some of us but cant get through
1/11
@Timcost
TIM POOL quits show, blames employees and everyone else for his failures
https://video-t-2.twimg.com/amplify_video/1848581985112825856/vid/avc1/590x492/glIXdIfgbjqfMzwt.mp4
2/11
@Timcost
@majorityfm @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop @theserfstv @MattBinder
3/11
@AdamCrigler
I should react to this. Still haven't clicked play
4/11
@Timcost
Cmon Adam. Be a good sport. The background music itself makes it worth it.
5/11
@theneedledrop
"more workload" on a show where he just reacts to the headlines of articles that he hasn't even read. poor baby.
6/11
@GeffeJr
So you couldn’t find a sponsor after losing your $100,000 a week gig with Putin?
7/11
@HoeyofHimself
Rogan does his show with himself and two other people. These guys like Tim brought on “people” to inflate their sense of success.
8/11
@AnthonyReprint
He ran out of Russian money…
9/11
@theneedledrop
good news if true
10/11
@Wadestoupee
3:35 seconds of him complaining about his staff lmaoooo
11/11
@ZherkaOfficial
SKATE PARKS LMAO
To post tweets in this format, more info here: https://www.thecoli.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-for-posting-the-coli-megathread.984734/post-52211196
@Timcost
TIM POOL quits show, blames employees and everyone else for his failureshttps://video-t-2.twimg.com/amplify_video/1848581985112825856/vid/avc1/590x492/glIXdIfgbjqfMzwt.mp4
2/11
@Timcost
@majorityfm @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop @theserfstv @MattBinder
3/11
@AdamCrigler
I should react to this. Still haven't clicked play
4/11
@Timcost
Cmon Adam. Be a good sport. The background music itself makes it worth it.
5/11
@theneedledrop
"more workload" on a show where he just reacts to the headlines of articles that he hasn't even read. poor baby.
6/11
@GeffeJr
So you couldn’t find a sponsor after losing your $100,000 a week gig with Putin?
7/11
@HoeyofHimself
Rogan does his show with himself and two other people. These guys like Tim brought on “people” to inflate their sense of success.
8/11
@AnthonyReprint
He ran out of Russian money…
9/11
@theneedledrop
good news if true
10/11
@Wadestoupee
3:35 seconds of him complaining about his staff lmaoooo
11/11
@ZherkaOfficial
SKATE PARKS LMAO
To post tweets in this format, more info here: https://www.thecoli.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-for-posting-the-coli-megathread.984734/post-52211196
