Memes circulating widely on social media misidentify a former White House staffer as the whistleblower who touched off the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
Blowing the Whistle on a Misinforming Meme
Issues: Memes
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.
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.
Meme Gets Israel Gun Laws Wrong
An old meme has resurfaced, spreading misinformation about gun laws and school violence in Israel.
Another Bogus Beto Photo
A photo circulating online falsely identifies a man who appears to have wet his pants as Beto O’Rourke. The photo actually shows Alexander Giannascoli, a 26-year-old musician, who said he had spilled beer on his pants.
Meme Misleads on Walmart Gun Sales
A social media meme inaccurately claims that Walmart will no longer sell rifles. Walmart stopped selling “military-style rifles such as the AR-15,” in 2015, and has announced it will no longer sell ammunition for “military-style weapons.” It still sells “long guns for hunting and sport shooting.”
Woman in Viral Photo Misidentified as Rep. Omar
A 1978 photo of a Somalian army recruit has been misidentified on social media as Rep. Ilhan Omar, who wasn’t born until 1982.
Phony Tweet Targets AOC
A fake tweet circulating online attributes a made-up statement about hurricane preparation to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Instagram Hoax Nabs Rick Perry
A thoroughly debunked hoax claiming that Instagram users can stop the platform from using their pictures if they post a statement rescinding permission has been circulating again. This time, it ensnared a member of the Trump administration.