Q: Did Democrats in Maine legalize female genital mutilation?
A: No. That practice is illegal across the U.S.
False Headline on a Hot Topic
Debunking Viral Claims
These articles debunk misinformation shared on social media. We also provide resources for readers: an article and a video on how to combat misinformation.
From late 2016 to early 2025, FactCheck.org was one of several organizations working with Meta to debunk misinformation shared on Meta’s social media platforms.
Clearing Up A Misleading Headline
Q: Has Rod Rosenstein “cleared” President Donald Trump?
A: No. The investigation of Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, and another into Russian meddling in the 2016 election are both ongoing.
California Bill Wouldn’t Ban the Bible
Q: Is California considering legislation that would ban the Bible?
A: No. Online stories making that claim have misrepresented a bill that would outlaw the advertising and selling of “sexual orientation change efforts.”
Jennifer Aniston Not a Trump Supporter
Q: Is actress Jennifer Aniston starting “a company named ‘Celebrities for Trump’”?
A: No. Aniston supported Hillary Clinton for president in 2016.
No Evidence of ‘Horrific’ Clinton Video
Q: Did a video of Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin assaulting a young girl surface online?
A: No. A story making that claim suggests the New York City Police Department is investigating Clinton and Abedin. That’s false.
Muslim Nurses Not Exempt From Hand Washing
Q: Are Muslim nurses excused from washing their hands before medical procedures in Britain?
A: No. That is an old misrepresentation that has been circulating online since 2010.
Prosecutor in Cohen Probe Not an ‘Obama Holdover’
Q: Is Robert S. Khuzami, the deputy U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, an “Obama holdover”?
A: No. Khuzami served under Democratic and Republican administrations, but he left government in 2013. He returned to public service this year when he was hired by the Trump administration.
There Are No “M.A.G.A. Checks”
Q: Can U.S. residents collect “M.A.G.A. Checks”?
A: No. A “M.A.G.A. Check” is the invention of a publisher selling an investment guide that makes promises of easy money.
No Obama Announcement on U.N. Post
Q: Did former President Barack Obama announce he’s seeking the U.N. secretary general position?
A: No. There was no announcement. Obama’s office has said a story claiming otherwise is false.
Facebook Not Giving Kochs User Data
Q: Is Facebook planning to give Charles and David Koch “unprecedented access” to users’ personal information?
A: No. A story making that claim misrepresents a research initiative that is being funded by seven organizations including the Charles Koch Foundation.