Facebook posts claim that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican. That’s a longstanding, unsupported claim that his children have denied.
Unsupported MLK Claim Circulates Again
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.
Viral Story Fabricates ‘Muslim Holidays’ Bill
A self-described “parody” website published a made-up story about two Muslim congresswomen introducing a bill recognizing “Muslim holidays as federal holidays.”
Football, Fast Food and a Fake Quote
A viral meme attributes a bogus quote to Clemson University’s quarterback about his team’s visit to the White House.
Trumps Not Donating $1 Billion for Border Wall
A satirical story about President Donald Trump’s family donating $1 billion for his proposed border wall has spread to other sites that fail to label the work satire.
Bibles Aren’t Required for the Oath of Office
Q: Did the Supreme Court rule that it is illegal to take the oath of office with anything but the Bible?
A: No. That is a made-up claim that originated on a self-described satirical website.
Facebook Posts Misrepresent Photo of Rep. Tlaib
A false narrative spread on Facebook claims Rep. Rashida Tlaib was “caught on film trying to attack someone.” The photo in question is actually from a 2016 Trump campaign event she protested.
Social Posts Distort Facts of 2013 Shutdown
Viral Facebook posts say that former President Barack Obama “shut down the government to force Obamacare.” That’s misleading.
Phony Claim On Elizabeth Warren’s Health
A baseless claim about Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s health is circulating on social media.
Bogus Claim on Interest Rate Increases
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates nine times since 2015, so a claim circulating on social media that there were no increases during the Obama administration is wrong.
Story Cherry-Picks in Assessing CNN Ratings
A story shared on Facebook tells of CNN’s so-called “ratings disaster” — but it only uses select ratings information.