Social media lit up with a false claim that President Donald Trump referred to Italian President Sergio Mattarella as “President Mozzarella.” The transcripts and videos prove he didn’t.
Viral Posts Fabricate a ‘President Mozzarella’ Gaffe
The Facts on Mental Illness and Mass Shootings
Q: Do people with serious mental health disorders pose a greater risk of becoming mass shooters?
A: People with mental illnesses are somewhat more likely to be violent than those without a diagnosis. But a majority are never violent, and very little is known specifically about mass murder.
Obama Didn’t Authorize ‘Lying’ by the Media
Social media posts falsely claim that former President Barack Obama signed a bill that made it permissible for “the media” to get “away with lying.” The bill had no bearing on private media outlets or what they can report.
Instagram Post Falsely Links Flu Vaccine to Polio
A popular Instagram post falsely claims “over 1,100 people died from reactions to the [flu] shot” in 2018, and suggests that the immunization gave some children polio. The flu vaccine cannot give anyone polio and there is no evidence to support the 1,100 figure.
Flurry of Trump Falsehoods
The president distorted the facts on congressional subpoenas, trade, Syria and more during a busy day of public appearances.
Trump Wrong on U.S. Agriculture Exports to China
In announcing “phase one” of a tentative trade deal with China, President Donald Trump wrongly stated that the “all-time high” for U.S. agricultural exports to China was “$16 or $17 billion.” Actually, it was nearly $26 billion in 2012.
Video: FactChecking October Debate Claims
In this video, we highlight several claims made by some of the candidates in the Oct.15 Democratic presidential debate.
FactChecking the October Democratic Debate
The spin focused mainly on the economy and health care.
The Democratic Letter to Ukraine
In May 2018, three Democratic senators wrote to the Ukrainian prosecutor general, asking about a report that he had frozen four Ukrainian investigations involving Paul Manafort to avoid angering President Donald Trump. Republicans have called the letter a “threat” to withhold support for aid to Ukraine, saying it’s similar to what critics have charged Trump did.
A Discussion of Digital Campaign Ads and 2020
FactCheck.org Director Eugene Kiely appeared Oct. 11 on “Politics with Amy Walter,” a podcast produced by Public Radio International and WNYC.