During an appearance on MSNBC Monday night, former first lady and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton advocated for the potential criminal prosecution of Americans who knowingly spread “Russian talking points.”
Clinton was responding to host Rachel Maddow's question about whether the U.S. government has made progress in tackling alleged Russian misinformation. While Clinton praised the efforts of the Justice and State Departments, she argued that much more needs to be done to address foreign interference in U.S. elections. (RELATED: MSNBC Guest Insists America Exported Fascism To Nazi Germany & Pope Is Racist)
“We are just at the beginning of uncovering everything that Russia, and not just Russia, other countries, have done and are doing to influence our election,” Clinton said. She claimed that some Americans are being paid large sums to promote Kremlin propaganda, including through podcasts.
Clinton further stated that in addition to indicting Russians involved in election interference, Americans who engage in spreading foreign propaganda should also face consequences, possibly through civil or criminal charges. She argued this would serve as a stronger deterrent, as many Russians involved in such activities are unlikely to stand trial in the U.S.
On Sept. 4, an unsealed DOJ indictment accused Russia of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to influence the 2024 election. It alleged that Lauren Chen is a Russian agent who accepted over $10 million to start Tenet Media, a Tennessee-based media company, and push Russian propaganda in the United States. (RELATED: Blaze Media Fires Lauren Chen Over Allegations Of Taking Kremlin Cash)
The DOJ claims that Russia funded Tenet, which in turn paid seemingly deceived conservative influencers while it churned out thousands of videos to spread the Kremlin's propaganda. The influencers named in the indictment include prominent right-wing internet personalities Dave Rubin, Benny Johnson and Tim Pool.
In addition to Chen, two Russian nationals connected to RT, a Kremlin-controlled media outlet, were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The full indictment provides further details of Russia's alleged campaign to spread disinformation:
