An old meme from Ben Carson’s days as a Republican candidate for president is circulating again. But there’s still no evidence that he said, “My mother raised me with no help from the government.”
Phony Ben Carson Quote About Public Assistance
Debunking Viral Claims
FactCheck.org is one of several organizations working with Facebook to debunk misinformation shared on the social media network. We provide several resources for readers: a guide on how to flag suspicious stories on Facebook and a list of websites that have carried false or satirical articles, as well as a video and story on how to spot false stories.
Notre Dame Fire Fuels Anti-Muslim Conspiracy Theory
A website cites an erroneous tweet, innuendo and unrelated events to falsely suggest there were “Muslim ties” to the Notre Dame fire.
What Kissinger Has Said About Trump
A post circulating on Facebook wrongly attributes several quotes about President Donald Trump to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
A Phantom Ocasio-Cortez Quote on Gun Ownership
There is no evidence that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said “owning guns is not a right,” contrary to what a viral meme claims.
Doctored Quote Tied to Rep. Omar
A meme targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar uses an edited quote to cast doubt on her “allegiance” to the United States.
Meme Distorts Facts on Refugees, Social Security
A meme circulating on Facebook gives the false impression that there is no cap on the number of refugees that can be admitted to the U.S., and that Social Security beneficiaries did not receive a cost-of-living increase this year.
Anti-America Image From Iran, Not Michigan
A popular meme wrongly claims that a photo showing protesters advocating the demise of the U.S. was taken in Michigan. The image is from a 2013 rally in Iran.
Old Decision in Tax Lawsuit Gets New Spin
A website known for spreading misinformation writes that a man who cited religious reasons for not paying his income taxes “has won an historic lawsuit against the IRS.” That’s misleading. One charge was dropped, but four others have yet to be determined.
Concocted Claim of McCain’s ‘Treason’
A falsehood resurrected on Facebook claims that the late Sen. John McCain received a pardon from President Richard Nixon. He did not.
Deceptive Facebook Post Distorts Rally Against Hate
A Facebook post falsely describes a video of an interdenominational rally against Islamophobia as a “Muslim rally … demanding their Sharia Rights.”