Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, under oath, accused Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson of being funded by Russian state-owned media outlet RT.
Trudeau made these allegations during a public inquiry into foreign interference, specifically addressing Russia’s role in amplifying anti-vaccine messages during the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protests in Canada. He claimed that Russian propaganda, especially through right-wing media, spread anti-vax and pro-Putin messages, highlighting that “RT is currently funding bloggers and other YouTube personalities…such as Jordan Peterson [and] Tucker Carlson.”
Despite Trudeau’s assertion, neither Carlson nor Peterson has been linked to Russian funding in any verified report. Carlson’s network has denied any dealings with state media, and Peterson responded to Trudeau’s claims with a sarcastic tweet: “Hey Russians! Where the hell is my money?!”
Trudeau also referenced a U.S. Department of Justice indictment, which mentioned RT paying millions to a U.S. media company for a secret influence campaign, though neither Carlson nor Peterson was named. Carlson, who previously hosted Fox News’ top-rated show before leaving in April 2023, has been criticized for echoing Russian propaganda, particularly after his interview with Vladimir Putin in February 2024, where Putin made unchallenged false statements.
Critics argue that Trudeau’s allegations might be politically motivated, with opposition leaders accusing him of using the inquiry to smear the Conservative Party.
