Fake news is nothing new. But bogus stories can reach more people more quickly via social media than what good old-fashioned viral emails could accomplish in years past.
How to Spot Fake News
‘Broke’ and Because of ACA?
House Speaker Paul Ryan falsely claimed that “because of Obamacare, Medicare is going broke.” The law actually improved Medicare’s financing, and the program isn’t going “broke.”
Trump Repeats ‘Criminal Alien’ Claim
President-elect Donald Trump repeated an exaggerated claim that there are “probably 2 million” or “even 3 million” criminals living illegally in the U.S. One estimate puts the figure at about 820,000.
Giuliani on Prosecuting Hillary Clinton
In making the case for prosecuting Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani falsely claimed that Martha Stewart was prosecuted “for one count of lying to the FBI.” Stewart was convicted on four counts of obstructing justice and lying to investigators.
Popular Vote and the Electoral College
Two of our most popular stories on our website right now aren’t about presidential nominees Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
The Final Push: Trump
With the presidential election just a few days away, we offer a sampling of the misleading claims made by Donald Trump during speeches this week.
The Final Push: Clinton
As the election comes to a close, we provide a sampling of the misleading claims made by Hillary Clinton during speeches this week.
Trump’s Tax Cut Claims
Donald Trump misleadingly touts tax cuts of 30 percent for “working people” or 35 percent for “a middle-class family with two children,” adding that Hillary Clinton “wants to raise your taxes up to the sky.” That distorts both Trump’s and Clinton’s plans.
Pence’s Stance on Climate Change
Tim Kaine has misrepresented Mike Pence’s current stance on climate change, making it a regular talking point in his campaign speeches.
PAC Attack on Clinton’s Benghazi Record
A TV ad long on innuendo and short on facts accuses former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of “inaction before” and “indifference after” the Benghazi attacks.