'Corruption is blatant': Internet outraged at Qatari royal's funding of $50M in pro-Trump network Newsmax

WASHINGTON, DC: In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, it has come to light that a member of the Qatari royal family invested a staggering $50 million in the pro-Trump cable news network Newsmax during the years 2019 and 2020, when Donald Trump was still in office.

This bombshell report, published by The Washington Post, has ignited a firestorm of outrage and allegations of bias, with many accusing Newsmax of compromising its journalistic integrity in exchange for financial backing from a foreign source.

Newsmax reportedly encouraged staffers to 'soften coverage of Qatar' following investment

According to the report, documents and representatives from both Newsmax and the unnamed Qatari royal confirmed the substantial investment.

Notably, the investment was made at a time when Qatar faced a diplomatic and economic blockade led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who accused the country of having ties to terrrorist organisation. 

The Washington Post further alleged that following the investment, Newsmax leaders encouraged staffers to 'soften coverage of Qatar'. However, Newsmax vehemently disputed this characterization, issuing a statement to The Hill.

"In 2019, Newsmax received a minority investment from a UK-based fund with a Qatari investor that also invested in a company associated with the current Washington Post publisher. Newsmax's coverage of Qatar has always been balanced, including publishing many online and TV reports quite critical of its activities," a Newsmax spokesperson said.

During the 2020 election cycle, Newsmax garnered considerable attention from supporters of former President Trump. However, the network has come under heavy criticism for its handling of topics such as COVID-19 vaccines and the unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud made by the former president.

Internet erupts with outrage upon learning of Qatari royal's investment in Newsmax

The internet erupted in outrage upon learning of the Qatari royal's investment in Newsmax. One X user expressed profound dismay, stating, "The corruption is blatant." Another echoed similar sentiments, remarking, "Corruption is rampant, especially when it involves @MofaQatar_EN and others who persist in interfering."

A third user questioned the broader implications, pondering, "And what’s preventing Qataris from demanding better coverage of Russia and China too?" Meanwhile, another individual sounded a "BIAS ALERT" in response to the alleged influence on Newsmax's coverage.

Amidst the flurry of reactions, a fifth user succinctly captured the sentiment with a single word: "Yikes."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.