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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Coronavirus Wasn’t Sent by ‘Spy’ From Canada

Coronavirus Wasn’t Sent by ‘Spy’ From Canada

Social media posts falsely claim that a “Chinese spy team” working in a Canadian government lab sent “pathogens to the Wuhan facility” prior to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Two Canadian agencies have told us those claims are wrong.

Comedian Sam Hyde Not ‘Behind’ Spread of Coronavirus

Comedian Sam Hyde Not ‘Behind’ Spread of Coronavirus

A meme falsely claims comedian Sam Hyde is responsible for the spread of the new coronavirus. Researchers are still working to determine the source of this latest coronavirus, though evidence suggests it was first transmitted to humans from an animal.

False Claim Ukraine Got Aid ‘Before Schedule’

False Claim Ukraine Got Aid ‘Before Schedule’

President Donald Trump, who last year froze hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid for Ukraine, claimed “they got all” of it “long before schedule.” That’s false. Congress had to grant an extension to ensure the government could spend all of that aid for Ukraine.

Social Media Posts Spread Bogus Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory

Social Media Posts Spread Bogus Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory

Multiple social media posts are spreading a bogus conspiracy theory about the deadly Wuhan virus. The posts falsely claim that the virus has been patented and a vaccine is already available. That’s not true; the patents the posts refer to pertain to different viruses.

Posts Distort Democrats’ Positions on Venezuela, China, Iran

Posts Distort Democrats’ Positions on Venezuela, China, Iran

Social media posts make a broad and misleading claim that “Democrats stood with” the leaders of Venezuela, China and Iran rather than supporting oppressed people in those countries. The facts don’t support that generalization.

Post Blurs Facts on Military Draft, Immigrants

Post Blurs Facts on Military Draft, Immigrants

A meme falsely claims President Donald Trump “makes illegals eligible” for the draft. There is no military draft, and immigrants — including those in the country illegally — are already required to register with the Selective Service.

Video: FactChecking Trump’s Iran Address

Video: FactChecking Trump’s Iran Address

In this week’s fact-checking video, CNN’s Jake Tapper examines several claims from President Donald Trump’s remarks after an Iranian missile attack on military bases in Iraq housing U.S. coalition forces.