PINECREST, Fla. – Pinecrest-based social media influencer Dave Rubin was among several conservatives in his field who were duped into working, unknowingly, for a company that was a front for a Russian influence operation, authorities say.
The “Rubin Report” host has millions of followers and Rubin himself played an apparently clueless role in a Russian propaganda scheme.
The indictment reads like a Russian spy novel: an empire of covert projects, two Russians, $10 million laundered to fund a misinformation and disinformation campaign designed to turn Americans against each other to further Russian interests and goals.
Tenet Media is named as the U.S. company go-between that contracted the social media talent.
Rubin, neither accused nor charged, fits the description of “Commentator 1″ in the indictment, paid $400,000 a month plus bonuses for live-streaming four videos a week.
Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg went to Rubin’s home seeking comment and was asked by a woman who answered the doorbell if she had “an appointment.”
On social media platform X, Rubin calls himself a victim. Tenet was looking to book others.
Statement on the DOJ indictment:
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) September 4, 2024
These allegations clearly show that I and other commentators were the victims of this scheme.
I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period.
‘People of the Internet’ was a silly show covering viral videos which ended… pic.twitter.com/KQHYDUi3ot
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a well-known South Florida conservative influencer claims to have been targeted by the company, but was suspicious from the start.
“One of the founders of Tenet contacted me because they needed marketing support,” the influencer said. “I heard out their pitch. It sounded a little odd when she mentioned having foreign investors and backers. Dividing Americans and sowing chaos and upheaval seemed to be the objective.”