Q: Was Malia Obama arrested for attacking an elderly white woman? Did the arresting police officer mysteriously die?
A: No. Those false stories originated on websites that claim to publish satire.
Malia Obama Didn’t Attack Elderly Woman
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.
Shaking the Bushes for Quote About Trump
Q: Did George W. Bush say he doesn’t approve of the media’s treatment of Donald Trump?
A: No. That statement is based on a misrepresentation of what the former president said a year ago.
Phony Yearbook Photo
Q: Is David Hogg pictured in a California school yearbook?
A: No. That’s a yearbook photo from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, where Hogg is a student.
No Federal Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children
Q: Did a law go into effect Jan. 30 banning “anyone” from smoking in a car “as long as there are children in the vehicle”?
A: No. There is no federal prohibition, although several state and local governments previously had enacted such bans.
No ‘Crisis Actors’ in Parkland, Florida
Q: Are the students who survived the Florida school shooting really “crisis actors”?
A: No. Conspiracy theories have been spreading online to undercut students advocating stricter gun control.
Made-up Michelle Obama Quote
Q: Did Michelle Obama say that the school shooting in Florida was President Donald Trump’s fault?
A: No. That claim is circulating on dubious websites. The former first lady hasn’t said anything like that publicly.
Florida Shooter Not Registered Dem
Q: Is the Florida school shooter a registered Democrat?
A: No. Nikolas Cruz isn’t even registered to vote.
Horner Hoax Remix
Q: Was a teen sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing a refugee who raped his sister?
A: No. That is a made-up headline on an old internet hoax story.
Philip Morris Not Selling Marijuana Cigarettes
Q: Are Philip Morris “Marlboro M” brand marijuana cigarettes now for sale in four U.S. states?
A: No. That claim comes from a 2014 satirical story. It has recently resurfaced without the satire label.
4 Million Democratic Votes Weren’t Discounted
Q: Were 4 million Democratic votes found to be fraudulent?
A: No. The company that supposedly made the voting machines in question doesn’t appear to exist.