Influencers, Politicians, Media Execs Flock to Qatar Despite Its Baggage

Which Influencers GOT PAID To Go To Qatar?

A bunch of influencers just went to Qatar… but who got paid? We break down the scandal.

Influencers, politicians, media execs flock to Qatar despite its baggage

Qatar, whose ties to the Muslim Brotherhood have drawn scrutiny in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, is doubling down on a charm offensive focused on a handful of GOP lawmakers and conservative social media influencers, all while hosting two of the most established brands in American news.  A group of House Republicans visited Qatar during the House’s Thanksgiving recess last week, including Reps. Laurel Lee (R-FL), Marlin Stutzman (R-…

Sun, sand, slaves: an influencer’s trip to Qatar

The lure of the junket can tempt even the hardiest of media souls. For Twitter influencers who’ve never heard of an ethical standard, much less adhered to one, they’re catnip. That’s why this week Cockburn has witnessed the embarrassing spectacle of several right-wing personalities shilling for the government of Qatar. Rob Smith, an Iraq War vet who bills himself as “influential, not an influencer,” described his Qatari vacation as “eye-opening.…