There’s no evidence that former Rep. Beto O’Rourke made a series of disparaging comments about the elderly and veterans, despite what a popular meme claims.
O’Rourke Didn’t Trash Seniors and Veterans
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.
Anti-Muslim Myth Gets A New Twist
Congress didn’t “quietly” repeal a law barring Muslims from serving in public office, as social media posts allege. No such law existed in the first place.
Falsehood About Pelosi’s Brother-in-Law Resurfaces
A viral story revives a falsehood about Nancy Pelosi’s brother-in-law and a federal loan guarantee for a Nevada solar plant.
‘El Chapo’ Trial Used To Spread Viral Deception
A viral meme is spreading false information connecting the infamous drug lord El Chapo to three major Democratic politicians.
Meme Pins False Claim On Lou Dobbs
Despite claims made in a viral meme, Lou Dobbs of Fox Business Network has not reported that “Mexican drug cartels are paying Pelosi and Schumer millions to keep border open.”
‘Green New Deal’ Doesn’t Call for ‘End’ to Air Travel
A resolution before Congress outlining actions to address climate change prompted the misleading claim that the deal aims to “end” air travel and “build trains over the oceans.”
Phony Claim That Gold Went To Afghanistan
A meme making a bogus claim about the U.S. giving gold to Afghanistan is circulating online.
False Claim About Ocasio-Cortez’s ‘Demand’
A false claim circulating online states that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — in exchange for a border wall — “demands welfare” for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. That story originated on a self-described satire site before spreading elsewhere online without any disclaimer.
Super Bowl Ratings Not Trumped by SOTU
The Super Bowl had double the viewers than the State of the Union address, contrary to a false claim on social media.
Blackface Photo Doesn’t Show Clintons
A photo of two people, one of whom is in blackface, has been circulating online for years with the unfounded claim that it shows Bill and Hillary Clinton. A Twitter user said he posted the photo in 2015, even though he had no evidence it was the Clintons, to “stir interest.”