Several candidates twisted the facts on health care, student loan debt, President Trump and more.
FactChecking the November Democratic Debate
Stories by Saranac Hale Spencer
Staff Writer, FactCheck.org
Memes Overstate Yovanovitch’s Wealth
Questionable websites and social media posts claim — without evidence — that former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch’s net worth is as high as $23 million. According to her most recent financial disclosure, Yovanovitch has an estimated net worth of between $1.3 million and $3.3 million.
Donald Trump and New York’s Veterans Day Parade
A meme circulating on Facebook exaggerates the role played by President Donald Trump in funding a 1995 Veterans Day parade in New York. He donated $200,000, which was less than 10% of the total raised, according to press reports at the time.
Old Meme Misinforms on CHIP Funding
A 2017 meme has resurfaced on Facebook, spreading outdated speculation that the Republicans would not fund the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program. In fact, President Donald Trump signed bipartisan legislation in February 2018 that funds CHIP through fiscal year 2027.
Blowing the Whistle on a Misinforming Meme
Memes circulating widely on social media misidentify a former White House staffer as the whistleblower who touched off the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
Bogus Warren Quote Ignites Immigration Anger
Immigration comments by Sen. Elizabeth Warren have been selectively edited in a misleading way and are circulating widely online.
Meme Falsely Claims Obama Released al-Baghdadi
Various memes circulating online falsely claim that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic State leader who recently died after a U.S. raid, had been released from U.S. military custody under President Barack Obama. He was actually released in 2004, under President George W. Bush.
Headlines Spin Ukrainian Donations to Clinton Charity
Viral headlines wrongly suggest that the Ukrainian government gave more money than any other country to the Clinton Foundation. But the 2015 news report cited does not support that.
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.
Social Media Skews NYC Anti-Discrimination Law
Memes and videos misrepresent a New York City law by suggesting that everyone in the city will be “banned” from using the term “illegal alien,” or face a $250,000 fine. Actually, the city has only clarified that immigration status can’t be used to discriminate against people in certain situations under a decades old law.