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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Trump Makes Unsupported Claim About ‘Massive CHEATING’ in Philadelphia

Trump Makes Unsupported Claim About ‘Massive CHEATING’ in Philadelphia

Former President Donald Trump posted to social media an unsupported claim about “massive CHEATING” in Philadelphia, which he claimed had drawn the attention of law enforcement. The Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia district attorney, a Republican city council member and the Pennsylvania Department of State all refuted the claim.

Viral Posts Make Baseless Claim About Harris’ Earrings at the Debate

Viral Posts Make Baseless Claim About Harris’ Earrings at the Debate

Social media posts baselessly claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris wore earrings equipped with audio devices in order to cheat during her debate with former President Donald Trump. Similar unfounded claims circulated before or after debates in 2016 and 2020 with Trump’s past political opponents.

Bogus Report Claims Philly Mob Boss Stuffed Ballot Boxes

Bogus Report Claims Philly Mob Boss Stuffed Ballot Boxes

A dubious website claims without evidence that Philadelphia mob boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino stuffed ballot boxes for Joe Biden and the Democrats — and would testify about the scheme in exchange for a presidential pardon. Merlino’s attorney denies the claim, which originated on a website operated by a self-described “pro-Trump” political consultant.

False Headline in Philly Starbucks Settlement

False Headline in Philly Starbucks Settlement

Q: Did the two black men arrested in a Philadelphia Starbucks “settle for $2 million” from the city?

A: No. The city agreed to pay the men $1 each and establish a $200,000 grant program for young entrepreneurs. The men also received an undisclosed amount from Starbucks.