Pro-Russia Website Tied to Trump Allies Expands Amid Crackdown on Disinformation
As the U.S. cracks down on Russian disinformation ahead of the 2024 election, a website with ties to former Trump aides has emerged as a growing player in the far-right media landscape. Intelligencer, an increasingly popular platform, is spreading conspiracy theories about the war in Ukraine, vaccines, and election fraud. This rise coincides with heightened efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice to limit Russian influence on American media, according to The Guardian.
Ties to Russian Media and Trump Allies
Intelligencer’s growth is supported by a network of individuals once closely connected to Donald Trump. Among them are George Papadopoulos and his wife, Simona Mangiante, both of whom serve on the website’s editorial board. Papadopoulos, known for his role in Trump’s 2016 campaign and later conviction for lying to the FBI about Russian contacts, contributes to the site’s content. The site saw a significant traffic boost in August, with a nearly 300% increase in visits, attributed in part to shares by far-right figures like Alex Jones and Roger Stone.
According to Emma Briant, a political communication expert, Intelligencer’s use of well-known individuals aligns with Russia’s disinformation strategies. “Russia increasingly relies on influencers to spread its messages, monetizing social media content and appealing to far-right audiences,” Briant explained. This tactic has enabled platforms like Intelligencer to thrive by capitalizing on divisive narratives.
Financial Backing and Operations
Despite its growing presence, Intelligencer’s funding and ownership remain unclear. The website lists a Los Angeles business address but lacks transparency regarding its financial structure. Although no direct evidence links the site to Kremlin funding, its content mirrors narratives promoted by Russian state media. Intelligencer originated as part of TNT Radio, an Australian platform known for its pro-Russian stance and frequent denial of climate change and vaccine efficacy.
Jennifer Squires, one of TNT Radio’s founders, distanced herself from the website after its development, leaving George Eliason, an American journalist based in Ukraine, to manage the site. Eliason has appeared on RT (formerly Russia Today) and frequently promotes pro-Russian views on the war in Ukraine, aligning with Intelligencer’s editorial direction.
Influence on U.S. Elections and Global Narratives
As Intelligencer’s reach expands, concerns grow about its influence on the 2024 U.S. election. Olga Lautman, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, believes the website is part of a broader disinformation effort aimed at swaying American voters. “Intelligencer is using far-right figures and disinformation tactics to shape opinions ahead of the election,” Lautman said.
Content on the website includes debunked conspiracy theories, including claims about Hunter Biden and Ukraine, often drawing on pro-Russian narratives. A recent documentary linked to the website, Hunter’s Laptop: Requiem for Ukraine, premiered in Chicago earlier this month and was directed by Igor Lopatonok, a frequent collaborator with filmmaker Oliver Stone. Lopatonok, also a board member of Intelligencer, has previously produced anti-Ukrainian documentaries that praise authoritarian regimes.
A Growing Network of Influence
The reach of Intelligencer extends beyond U.S. borders. Pravda-en, a European site known for promoting Russian propaganda, has linked to several of Intelligencer’s articles, amplifying its influence. With board members connected to both far-right U.S. politics and Russian-backed entities, the site represents a convergence of global disinformation efforts.
Experts warn that platforms like Intelligencer pose a growing threat to democratic discourse, both in the U.S. and internationally. As the U.S. government increases efforts to curb Russian interference, websites like Intelligencer will likely continue to adapt, using disinformation tactics to sway public opinion.
