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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

No Evidence Biden Was ‘Wearing a Wire’ in Debate

No Evidence Biden Was ‘Wearing a Wire’ in Debate

Facebook posts baselessly accuse former Vice President Joe Biden of wearing a wire during the first presidential debate. The low-quality videos and photos being cited don’t support that claim.

Baseless Online Claims Target Biden Ahead of First Debate

Baseless Online Claims Target Biden Ahead of First Debate

Unsubstantiated posts spreading on Facebook and Twitter claim former Vice President Joe Biden “got tonight’s debate questions in advance” and that he will be wearing an earpiece. There is no evidence for either assertion.

Brad Parscale’s Suicide Threat Sparks Conspiracy Claims

Brad Parscale’s Suicide Threat Sparks Conspiracy Claims

Social media accounts that boost conspiracy theories make a baseless claim that the Clintons were involved in a recent incident at the home of Brad Parscale, President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager. The police report describes a domestic dispute during which Parscale threatened suicide.

Social Security Didn’t Stop Mailing Checks ‘Because It’s Not Secure’

Social Security Didn’t Stop Mailing Checks ‘Because It’s Not Secure’

A social media post claims that Social Security checks have not been sent by mail “since 2013 because it’s not secure.” The Social Security Administration required electronic payment transfers in compliance with a 1996 federal law — not due to security concerns. Even so, about 850,000 checks are still mailed each month.

Biden Was Looking at a TV Screen, Not a Teleprompter

Biden Was Looking at a TV Screen, Not a Teleprompter

A clip from a television interview with former Vice President Joe Biden is circulating online with the false claim that he is reading from a teleprompter. Actually, Biden was looking at a screen showing a viewer’s question before he looks at the interviewer in the room with him.

McDonald’s and the American Flag

McDonald’s and the American Flag

Social media posts — without evidence — have accused McDonald’s of taking down American flags in support of Black Lives Matter and antifa. The company says that is “not true.”

Contrary to Viral Claim, Trump OK’d Aid for California Fires

Contrary to Viral Claim, Trump OK’d Aid for California Fires

Facebook posts claim that President Donald Trump has withheld aid from California to fight wildfires, while offering help to Russia. That’s a rehash of a controversy in 2019, when Trump threatened to withhold aid from California, while offering help to Russia. The Trump administration has provided federal assistance to California for the recent wildfires.