One of President Donald Trump’s defense lawyers described Rudy Giuliani as “just a minor player” in Ukraine matters that resulted in the president being impeached. But the evidence suggests otherwise.
Giuliani Was Not a ‘Minor Player’ in Ukraine
Locations: International
New Coronavirus Wasn’t ‘Predicted’ In Simulation
A conspiracy theory website distorted the facts about an emergency preparedness exercise to suggest that the “GATES FOUNDATION & OTHERS PREDICTED UP TO 65 MILLION DEATHS” from the coronavirus now spreading. The event dealt with a hypothetical scenario involving a fictional virus.
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.
Comedian Sam Hyde Not ‘Behind’ Spread of Coronavirus
A meme falsely claims comedian Sam Hyde is responsible for the spread of the new coronavirus. Researchers are still working to determine the source of this latest coronavirus, though evidence suggests it was first transmitted to humans from an animal.
False Claim Ukraine Got Aid ‘Before Schedule’
President Donald Trump, who last year froze hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid for Ukraine, claimed “they got all” of it “long before schedule.” That’s false. Congress had to grant an extension to ensure the government could spend all of that aid for Ukraine.
Social Media Posts Spread Bogus Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory
Multiple social media posts are spreading a bogus conspiracy theory about the deadly Wuhan virus. The posts falsely claim that the virus has been patented and a vaccine is already available. That’s not true; the patents the posts refer to pertain to different viruses.
Posts Distort Democrats’ Positions on Venezuela, China, Iran
Social media posts make a broad and misleading claim that “Democrats stood with” the leaders of Venezuela, China and Iran rather than supporting oppressed people in those countries. The facts don’t support that generalization.
Initial Reports of No Injuries from Iran’s Attack Were Inaccurate
Despite repeated statements from President Donald Trump that “no one was hurt” in Iran’s missile attack on two military bases in Iraq, the Pentagon now says 11 U.S. service members were treated for concussion symptoms.
Setting the Record Straight on Climate Change and Arson in Australia’s Bushfires
Various claims online suggest that climate change hasn’t contributed to the bushfires ravaging the East Coast of Australia, pinning the blame instead on arson. Those claims distort the facts.
Trump Administration’s Shifting Statements on Soleimani’s Death
This is our timeline of what Trump administration officials have said about the intelligence assessments behind the U.S. operation to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.