Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused conservative media personalities Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson of receiving financial support from the Russian state-owned news outlet RT.
During a public hearing under oath, Trudeau claimed to be part of Canada’s Foreign Interference Commission. The hearing, held Wednesday, October 16, focused on foreign influence in Canadian elections and the broader role of propaganda in global politics.
Trudeau’s testimony specifically addressed RT’s alleged role in amplifying anti-vaccine messaging during the “Freedom Convoy” protests in early 2022, when Canadian truck drivers protested vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions.
According to Trudeau, RT’s propaganda efforts targeted right-wing media, helping to spread anti-vaccine rhetoric that destabilized public trust during the pandemic. He further suggested that this disinformation has continued, shifting to pro-Russian messaging following the invasion of Ukraine.
Once branded as Russia Today, RT has long been criticized for disseminating pro-Kremlin narratives, especially in Western democracies. The network has been banned in several regions, including the European Union and Canada, for its role in spreading Russian propaganda.
In his testimony, Trudeau claimed that figures like Carlson and Peterson were among those whose platforms were financially supported by RT to spread destabilizing messages across North America.
While Carlson has been an outspoken critic of U.S. policies regarding Russia, and has shown a sympathetic stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has denied any financial ties to RT. This denial comes despite previous controversies, such as the broadcast of Carlson’s shows on Russian state-run TV earlier this year without his prior knowledge. Carlson has faced criticism for appearing to echo Russian propaganda, but he has consistently denied being part of any coordinated efforts by the Kremlin.
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and well-known conservative commentator, rejected Trudeau’s accusations. Peterson took to social media, sarcastically asking where his supposed payments from Russia were, emphasizing that he has never received any financial support from RT. Despite his vocal opposition to COVID-19 mandates, Peterson insisted that his views were independent and not influenced by foreign funding.
Trudeau’s comments have stirred debate, as critics of his government argue that the allegations were politically motivated. Some in the opposition have accused the Prime Minister of using the inquiry to discredit right-leaning figures, suggesting that his claims lacked sufficient evidence.
The hearing, which is part of a broader investigation into foreign interference in Canadian elections, has already drawn scrutiny over the potential involvement of both Russia and China in undermining Canadian democracy.
The involvement of RT in spreading disinformation is not a new concern. The U.S. Department of Justice recently reported that RT had been involved in paying millions of dollars to U.S.-based conservative media outlets to carry out influence campaigns. While this report did not name Carlson or Peterson specifically, it highlighted the ongoing threat posed by foreign media entities in shaping public opinion in democratic nations.
As the investigation continues, Trudeau’s claims have sparked renewed discussion about the role of media figures in amplifying divisive narratives, especially in international politics. While the allegations against Carlson and Peterson remain unproven, they highlight the growing concern about foreign influence in Canadian and global political spheres.