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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Coronavirus Wasn’t Sent by ‘Spy’ From Canada

Coronavirus Wasn’t Sent by ‘Spy’ From Canada

Social media posts falsely claim that a “Chinese spy team” working in a Canadian government lab sent “pathogens to the Wuhan facility” prior to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Two Canadian agencies have told us those claims are wrong.

Pelosi’s Impeachment Pens Aren’t 18-Karat Gold

Pelosi’s Impeachment Pens Aren’t 18-Karat Gold

Claims spreading online say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used expensive pens, or ones made of gold, to sign the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Actually, the pens, which are made mostly of brass, have a suggested retail value of about $20.

Amid Military Tension, Meme Misdates Soldiers’ Deaths

Amid Military Tension, Meme Misdates Soldiers’ Deaths

A meme circulating on Facebook displays photos of five U.S. soldiers that purportedly were killed “this Tuesday in Afghanistan.” Actually, they died in 2013 and there was a sixth soldier killed in the same incident who isn’t included in the meme.

Fake Tlaib Tweet Resurfaces Amid Iran News

Fake Tlaib Tweet Resurfaces Amid Iran News

An old tweet from an account impersonating Rep. Rashida Tlaib resurfaced on social media — this time with an erroneous claim that the tweet was her response to the recent attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

No Evidence Clinton Sent ‘Nooses’ Email to Brazile

No Evidence Clinton Sent ‘Nooses’ Email to Brazile

There is no evidence to support claims that Hillary Clinton sent fellow Democrat Donna Brazile a profane email in 2016, calling Donald Trump a “bastard” and saying “we’re all going to hang from nooses” if he wins the election.

Meme Politicizes Progressive Insurance

Meme Politicizes Progressive Insurance

An outdated meme circulating on Facebook claims that Progressive, the insurance company, “is owned by Peter Lewis who donates millions” to the Democratic Party and left-leaning organizations. But Lewis died in 2013.

Dubious Quote Attributed to Trump’s Mother

Dubious Quote Attributed to Trump’s Mother

There’s no evidence for a meme that quotes President Donald Trump’s late mother as once making a disparaging remark about her son and predicting he would not do well in politics.

Meme Doctors Quote From Well-Known Satirist

Meme Doctors Quote From Well-Known Satirist

A popular social media meme alters the words of satirist Andy Borowitz. His statement, from 2016, was critical of now-President Donald Trump — not of Trump’s rival, Hillary Clinton.