Conservative websites falsely claim that former federal Judge Alex Kozinski “struck down” President Donald Trump’s original travel ban. He actually opposed its suspension.
Websites Distort Story of Former Federal Judge
Stories by Angelo Fichera
Former Staff Writer, FactCheck.org
No Evidence New York Legislator Died from Flu Shot
A self-described “alternative news” story suggests the flu shot was responsible for the death of a New York state senator. The official cause of death is still pending.
Bogus Kurt Russell Quote Strikes Again
A viral meme falsely attributes a quote supportive of President Donald Trump to movie star Kurt Russell. The actor’s representative has debunked it before.
The Caravan, the CDC and a False Flight
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not flying sick migrants from the caravan into the country, as a story that originated on a self-proclaimed “alt-news” website claims.
Viral Posts Misinform on McCarran-Walter Act
The 1952 McCarran-Walter Act codified immigration policies. It doesn’t bar “Muslims from holding public office,” as social media posts erroneously claim.
Holiday Hoax About Obamas Resurfaces
The Obamas kept with tradition by displaying a Nativity scene in the White House for Christmas — contrary to what a viral falsehood claims.
Meme Resurrects, and Distorts, 2009 Airport Scuffle
Q: Did President Barack Obama in 2009 have a journalist named Brenda Lee removed from Air Force One?
A: No. Lee, a newspaper contributor, was physically removed from a press area outside the aircraft in Los Angeles — before Obama arrived.
False Quote Attributed to Rep.-Elect Ilhan Omar
Q: A meme circulating online attributes an inflammatory remark about white men to congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar. Did she actually say that?
A: No. The meme falsely attributes a fictitious quote to Omar.
FBI Didn’t Reach Conclusion on Kavanaugh Accusations
Q: Did the FBI issue a report that “confirms” that “none” of Brett Kavanaugh’s accusers’ stories were true?
A: No. Contrary to false social media claims, the bureau did not reach any conclusion in its background investigation.
California Shooting Prompts ‘Crisis Actor’ Conspiracy
Q: Was Susan Orfanos, the mother of a shooting victim in Thousand Oaks, California, also interviewed by news outlets after other mass shootings in 2016 and 2017?
A: No. A Facebook post misidentifies two other women as Orfanos.