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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Instagram Post Falsely Links Flu Vaccine to Polio

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

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

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.

The Democratic Letter to Ukraine

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.

Posts Put Words in Thomas Jefferson’s Mouth

Posts Put Words in Thomas Jefferson’s Mouth

Facebook posts in support of President Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection erroneously claim that former President Thomas Jefferson once said “the government will one day be corrupt and filled with liars, and the people will flock to the one who tells the truth.” A Jefferson Library researcher includes it in a list of “spurious quotations.”

Misleading Narrative About a Supposed ‘Ukrainian Arms Dealer’

Misleading Narrative About a Supposed ‘Ukrainian Arms Dealer’

An online story says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff “are both connected to a Ukrainian arms dealer” through a 2013 fundraiser. But the supposed “Ukrainian arms dealer” owns a California company that primarily develops airships, including for the U.S. government. He has donated to both parties — not just the Democrats.