As the first season of the Trump administration reboot concludes, there’s been quite the stir surrounding fringe characters making their comeback. A report from The Bulwark reveals that Lauren Chen, a D-list conservative media figure and alleged Russian propagandist, has been granted a visa by Trump’s State Department and has returned to the U.S.
On Christmas Day, Chen shared on X that she and her husband were in Nashville, expressing gratitude to Joe Rittenhouse from the State Department for making it possible. She stated he “moved mountains to ensure we were able to return in time for the holidays!” Chen also thanked the “CBP, the new leadership at the FBI, and the administration” for their help in her return.
This scenario quickly becomes a “Who’s Who” of “Who is that again?” For a refresher, Lauren Chen is a long-time conservative commentator who gained notoriety during the first Trump administration as the “Roaming Millennial.” She gained attention for chatting with white supremacist Richard Spencer shortly before the infamous Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, which tragically spiraled into violence and loss of life.
After several unsuccessful independent media endeavors, she found her niche within the right-wing ecosystem, contributing to Glenn Beck’s The Blaze and Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA. In 2022, she and her husband, Liam Donovan, took a significant leap forward by launching Tenet Media.
However, the plot thickens. An indictment filed by the Justice Department in 2024 claims that Tenet Media received millions from the Kremlin-run RT, where Chen previously worked, and funneled it to conservative commentators to spread pro-Russian content. Influencers like Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, and David Rubin allegedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars for their content without realizing the money had Russian ties.
While the Justice Department continues to pursue the Russian funders of Tenet Media, per The Bulwark, Chen has largely evaded legal repercussions. Although the Biden administration did revoke her visa, preventing her return for some time, now it seems her fortunes have shifted thanks to Joe Rittenhouse.
As noted by The Daily Beast, Rittenhouse, a former actor turned Trump campaign supporter, leveraged his role in the administration to facilitate Chen’s return. Rittenhouse is no stranger to the Online Right; he recently shared a pic of himself in a federal office checking out a Sargon of Akkad video, which shows his alignment with such circles.
Interestingly, Rittenhouse previously briefed the press on the Trump’s administration’s decision to revoke visas for students who protested genocide on college campuses. So, here’s the curious scorecard: protesting genocide gets you booted from the country, while accepting Kremlin funds for propaganda earns you a warm welcome. Rittenhouse described this as a classic example of “American First Consular Affairs.”
What does this mean for right-wing influencers?
For many right-wing influencers, this news is likely a cause for celebration. Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, and Benny Johnson are not just colleagues in the same ecosystem; they’re often allies producing content that shapes the narrative within their community. A visa for Chen could mean more coordinated efforts to combat mainstream media narratives.
Why did Lauren Chen return to the U.S. now?
Lauren Chen’s return coincides with a shifting political landscape under Trump, where figures like her are gaining favor once more. This indicates potential support for similar influencers who face challenges or controversies abroad, reinforcing the idea of alliances within the conservative movement.
Who is Joe Rittenhouse and what is his influence?
Joe Rittenhouse, a former actor, has transitioned into a significant role in the Trump administration. His position allows influence over consular affairs, which can directly impact who gets re-entry into the U.S., reflecting a trend of placing loyalty over legal considerations.
What is the role of Tenet Media in this context?
Tenet Media’s operations showcase the intertwining of media narratives and foreign influence. With allegations of funding from Russian interests, it highlights the complexities faced by media outlets and their contributors in maintaining credibility while engaging in such funding.
Is there an ongoing investigation into Chen’s connections?
Yes, the Justice Department’s case against the funders of Tenet Media remains open, suggesting that even as some figures navigate back into the limelight, the scrutiny and potential consequences for affiliations with foreign entities might linger.
This unfolding story spotlights how political affiliations can shape careers, especially in the media landscape. As the Trump administration’s narrative continues to evolve, the dance of media influencers will likely change rhythm, presenting both opportunities and challenges. What’s your take on the implications of these developments? Share your thoughts below!