Five candidates took the stage in Miami and twisted the facts on China, abortion and U.S. life expectancy.
FactChecking the Third GOP Primary Debate
Stories by Jessica McDonald
SciCheck Editor
RFK Jr. Incorrectly Denies Past Remarks on Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
In a “PBS NewsHour” interview, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied previously saying that “no vaccine” is safe and effective. But Kennedy said exactly that on the Lex Fridman podcast in July.
Posts Falsely Claim FDA ‘Required’ to Take mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Off Market Due to Adulteration
As with many medical products, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may contain trace amounts of residual DNA from the manufacturing process. It is not considered adulteration, and the Food and Drug Administration is not “required” to pull the vaccines from the market, contrary to viral claims online.
Posts Falsely Push Bill Gates-Connected ‘Air’ Vaccine Conspiracy
Inhalable or spray versions of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are still in development and don’t have regulatory approval. Posts online are distorting recent research from Yale University to falsely claim that governments have approved such products to mass vaccinate people without their consent in a plot involving Bill Gates.
FactChecking the Second GOP Primary Debate
There were some new clashes, and plenty of claims we’ve heard before, as seven Republican candidates faced off in California.
Ramaswamy’s Climate Change Spin
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a self-professed “unapologetic proponent of greater use of fossil fuels,” has repeatedly cited false or misleading statistics to downplay the risks of climate change.
No Support for Viral Claim That COVID-19 ‘Lockdowns’ Are Returning This Fall
The U.S. is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, so it may be prudent for people to wear masks when out in public and take a few extra precautions. But the government is not planning to implement mask mandates or “lockdowns,” despite claims from the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
FactChecking Trump’s Interview with Carlson
In lieu of joining his fellow Republican presidential candidates in the Aug. 23 debate, former President Donald Trump granted an interview to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson — who posted it to X minutes before the debate began. Trump made several familiar false and misleading claims.
FactChecking the First GOP Debate
Eight Republicans kicked off the 2024 presidential election debates in Milwaukee.
High Winds, Drought Conditions Led to Maui Fires, No Evidence Intentionally Set
It’s not known what sparked the wildfires in Maui, although some evidence points to downed power lines. The conditions were ripe for fire, as large amounts of invasive grasses were dry due to drought and high winds helped to rapidly spread flames. Bogus posts on social media, however, are baselessly claiming the fires were intentionally set.