Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wasn’t “fired” from a hot-dog franchise for “incompetence,” despite what a popular meme says.
Meme Fabricates Ocasio-Cortez Firing
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.
Posts Distort Facts on Obama, Flint
Social media posts distort the facts to misleadingly claim that President Barack Obama “declared Flint water crisis a National Emergency and never fixed it.”
Obama Didn’t Give Iran ‘150 Billion in Cash’
A viral meme distorts the facts about the Iran nuclear agreement. The deal, approved by six countries and the European Union, gave Iran access to its own frozen assets.
Social Posts Spin Sanders Photo
A viral hoax claims that Sen. Bernie Sanders was arrested in 1963 for “throwing eggs” at black civil rights protesters. He was arrested while protesting on behalf of civil rights.
Meme Spreads Bogus Tax Information
A meme is circulating online with false information about changes to tax deductions. Student loan interest, medical expenses, property taxes and charitable donations are still deductible.
No Evidence Sen. Harris, Smollett Are Related
Viral posts have erroneously claimed that Sen. Kamala Harris is the aunt of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who police have accused of faking a hate crime.
Old Photo Stirs Up New Immigration Concerns
A photo showing a large group of people apprehended at the southern border is circulating online with the false information that it was taken this month. It is from 2010.
Exaggerated Claims About Girl Scout Cookies
A viral meme claims that Girl Scout cookies support Planned Parenthood, but the organization says it has no “relationship or partnership with Planned Parenthood.”
Parody Ocasio-Cortez Tweet Mistaken as Real
A Twitter account parodying Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted a tweet in support of a woman who joined ISIS. The tweet went viral, but it is not from the congresswoman.
Misleading Message in Posts About Flint Water
Social media posts criticize President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency by making a misleading claim about federal funding for the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.