Our compilation of the most egregious falsehoods of the year.
The Whoppers of 2019
Issues: climate change
Trump Mocks Global Warming, Lowballs Sea Level Rise
President Donald Trump mocked concerns about global warming, saying that oceans would rise just “[o]ne-eighth of an inch within the next 250 years.” Although he may have been joking, his figure is many times lower than scientific estimates.
Unpacking Sanders’ ‘Climate Refugee’ Statistic
In the last Democratic debate, Sen. Bernie Sanders said that the United Nations is projecting “hundreds of millions of climate refugees” in the “years to come” as a result of climate change. The U.N., however, doesn’t currently endorse a particular estimate.
FactChecking the November Democratic Debate
Several candidates twisted the facts on health care, student loan debt, President Trump and more.
FactChecking Biden’s CNN Town Hall
In a televised town hall, former Vice President Joe Biden made several false or misleading statements while commenting on climate change, veterans and health care.
Trump Again Misunderstands California’s Wildfires
For the second year in a row, President Donald Trump inaccurately attributed California’s rash of wildfires to poor forest management. He also falsely said other states don’t have “close to the level of burn” as California.
What Does Science Say About the Need for Nuclear?
Sen. Bernie Sanders has said “scientists tell us” that it’s possible to go carbon neutral without relying on nuclear power. Fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker, who backs the use of some nuclear energy, has said the data is on his side. Who’s right? Both have a point, but neither is telling the full story.
FactChecking the October Democratic Debate
The spin focused mainly on the economy and health care.
Outburst at AOC Town Hall Was Staged
A political group took credit for planting a woman who espoused “eating babies” to address climate change at a recent town hall event hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But some have still misrepresented the woman as “AOC’s crazy supporter.”
Doctored Photo Places Thunberg, Soros Together
A photo was manipulated to show young climate activist Greta Thunberg with philanthropist George Soros, who is known for funding progressive causes. The original image was of Thunberg and former vice president Al Gore.