Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Some of them are scheduled to speak at different sessions during the forum.
Russia is currently hosting its annual economic forum in St. Petersburg.
The high-profile event, also known as “Putin’s Davos,” traditionally focuses on global trade and financial policy. This year, the gathering has drawn a unique group of Western commentators and former actors.
According to reports from Reuters and USA Today, several Western figures made the journey to show support for traditional values, and there are at least five U.S. citizens among them.
Candace Owens
The influencer has drawn intense scrutiny lately for her fierce criticism of Western institutions.
Owens will speak at a session about balancing a large family with a career.
She recently faced a defamation lawsuit from French President Emmanuel Macron after claiming his wife was born male.
Steven Seagal
The former Hollywood action star is also attending the summit to join a panel on culture.
The 74-year-old martial arts expert received a Russian passport in 2016 but kept his U.S. citizenship, and he now serves as a special representative for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The Tate brothers
The guest list also features controversial internet personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate, both dual U.S.-U.K. citizens.
The brothers posted a video showing a musical welcome at a Moscow airport just before the event started.
Their travel comes despite severe legal troubles. The brothers face criminal probes in Romania for human trafficking, alongside British charges for rape and assault. While they deny all wrongdoing, their exact role at the forum remains unclear.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr.
Another unexpected attendee is the chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
He is currently overseeing a controversial White House ballroom extension for Donald Trump.
The Kremlin noted that he is the first U.S. official to attend the forum since 2018.
Cook is slated to speak about cultural dialogue between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking to Russia’s TASS state news agency, Cook explained that he was not representing the U.S. as a politician, but rather as a minister of culture and a Christian.
