Right-Wing Social Media Stars Unwittingly Amplified Russian Propaganda, Says DOJ

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Some of the most popular right-wing social media personalities were unknowingly involved in a Russian operation to influence the 2024 U.S. election, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ revealed that nearly $10 million had been funneled from Russian state media producers to a Tennessee-based media company known as Tenet Media, which features several high-profile conservative commentators.

These influencers, including figures like Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Lauren Southern, Tayler Hansen, Matt Christiansen, and Dave Rubin, boast millions of followers on platforms like YouTube. Although none were accused of wrongdoing, they were unwittingly paid by Russian sources to promote content that aligned with the Kremlin’s goals. The DOJ indictment noted that the content pushed by these influencers included criticism of U.S. support for Ukraine, among other divisive topics.

One particularly alarming instance involved Russian state media requesting that Tenet’s founders direct an influencer to blame Ukraine for a terrorist attack in Moscow. These revelations showcase the vulnerabilities of the new media landscape, where creators can be influenced without knowing the source of their funding. Some of the influencers have since acknowledged their involvement and are cooperating with authorities as potential victims of the scheme.

EU Avoids ‘Terrible Prophecies’ but Faces Trade Challenges with China, Says Gentiloni

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The European Union has successfully avoided the dire economic predictions that loomed in recent years but must now navigate challenges such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and a complicated trade relationship with China, said Paolo Gentiloni, the outgoing European Commissioner for Economy, on Saturday.

Gentiloni pointed out that while the EU’s economy has seen slow growth, it has not experienced the deep recessions, blackouts, or divisions that many had feared in the last few years, especially in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The economy is growing, slowly, but growing,” he said during an interview at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy. However, he acknowledged that Europe needs to enhance its competitiveness and make significant strides in areas such as defense and the Capital Markets Union if it is to thrive in the changing global landscape.

The European economy, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, has grappled with a cost-of-living crisis and persistent inflation, exacerbated by Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite these difficulties, the eurozone economy expanded in the first half of this year, with GDP growing by 0.3% in the second quarter compared to the first.

Looking ahead, Gentiloni highlighted two major issues the EU must tackle: its relationship with China and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU’s decision in June to impose higher tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles—due to the bloc’s belief that they benefit from unfair subsidies—has led to heightened tensions with Beijing. He emphasized that while the EU must remain vigilant in trade relations with China, it is crucial not to abandon international trade entirely.

Gentiloni also downplayed concerns about the potential economic impact of Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House in 2024, noting that while such an outcome would not be welcomed in Brussels, it would not drastically alter U.S.-EU economic relations.

As Gentiloni prepares to step down from his role, Europe faces rising political challenges. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is contending with increasing support for far-right factions, especially as politicians like Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán question whether the current Commission is equipped to address Europe’s future challenges.

Yellen Confident in U.S. Economy, Sees Path to ‘Soft Landing’ Without Major Layoffs

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reassured the public on Saturday that the U.S. economy remains robust, despite recent weak job reports that have unsettled investors and led to stock market declines. Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Yellen acknowledged a slowdown in job growth compared to the post-pandemic hiring frenzy but emphasized that the economy is “deep into a recovery” and “operating at full employment.” She noted that while job openings have decreased, significant layoffs have not materialized, indicating economic stability. Yellen also pointed to the Federal Reserve’s ability to reduce inflation without triggering a recession, describing the current situation as a “soft landing.” Her comments followed the release of nonfarm payroll data for August, which showed lower-than-expected job growth but a slight dip in the unemployment rate to 4.2%. The Treasury Secretary remained optimistic about the economy’s trajectory, downplaying fears of an imminent recession.