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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Another Phony Story Targets Malia Obama

Another Phony Story Targets Malia Obama

A website that describes its content as satire posted a story falsely claiming that Malia Obama was arrested at Harvard University. She wasn’t, but that story has been copied by other sites and shared as though it’s true.

Trump’s Steel Industry Claims

Trump’s Steel Industry Claims

The tariffs on steel imports benefited domestic steelmakers, but the president exaggerates the changes for the industry.

Website Distorts MSNBC Clip

Website Distorts MSNBC Clip

An old clip from a cable news show has been misrepresented by a dubious website to make the false claim that the program’s anchor prayed “for every American to suffer just so Trump won’t get re-elected.”

Social Media Posts Treat Fictional Harris ‘Quote’ as Fact

Social Media Posts Treat Fictional Harris ‘Quote’ as Fact

Facebook users expressed outrage over a statement that is falsely attributed to Sen. Kamala Harris. The quote — about seeking “vengeance” against supporters of President Donald Trump — originated on a website that calls its work satire.

Trump’s False Auto Industry Tweets

Trump’s False Auto Industry Tweets

President Donald Trump inaccurately tweeted that his fuel efficiency plan would reduce the cost of cars “by more than $3000” and make them “substantially safer.” Even going by his administration’s analysis — which many experts doubt — he inflated the savings and is wrong about car safety.

Can Trump ‘Order’ U.S. Companies to Leave China?

Can Trump ‘Order’ U.S. Companies to Leave China?

President Trump said he “hereby ordered” U.S. companies to “immediately start looking for an alternative to China,” including moving their operations back to the United States. His top economic adviser later said “we do have such authority, but it is not going to be exercised presently.” Here we look at the 1977 law the administration cited.

Instagram Hoax Nabs Rick Perry

Instagram Hoax Nabs Rick Perry

A thoroughly debunked hoax claiming that Instagram users can stop the platform from using their pictures if they post a statement rescinding permission has been circulating again. This time, it ensnared a member of the Trump administration.

Trump’s Dubious Michigan ‘Man of the Year’ Boast

Trump’s Dubious Michigan ‘Man of the Year’ Boast

President Donald Trump has claimed no fewer than seven times over the past three years — including at a recent rally in New Hampshire — that he won Michigan’s “man of the year” award. But there’s no evidence that he did.

Viral Quote Falsely Attributed to McCarthy

Viral Quote Falsely Attributed to McCarthy

Facebook posts erroneously attribute a quote to House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. He didn’t say that “there are no mass shootings in Japan because there are no video games there.”