Five candidates took the stage in Miami and twisted the facts on China, abortion and U.S. life expectancy.
FactChecking the Third GOP Primary Debate
RFK Jr. Incorrectly Denies Past Remarks on Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
In a “PBS NewsHour” interview, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied previously saying that “no vaccine” is safe and effective. But Kennedy said exactly that on the Lex Fridman podcast in July.
No Change in George Floyd’s Cause of Death, Despite Viral False Claims
The police officer who kept his knee on George Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes in 2020 was convicted of murder, and the medical examiner determined that police efforts to subdue Floyd caused his death. Nothing about the autopsy’s findings have changed, but social media posts falsely claim new documents show Floyd died of a drug overdose or natural causes.
COVID-19 Vaccines Save Lives, Are Not More Lethal Than COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of death from COVID-19. Social media posts have misused survey data and adverse events reports to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines have killed more people than COVID-19. But serious adverse events resulting from vaccination, including deaths, are rare.
Video in Spanish Misleads About Mammograms
Experts agree mammograms are the best tool to screen for breast cancer and that the benefits of the exam outweigh the risks. But a video in Spanish recommended that women over 40 skip mammograms, claiming the test is “unsafe” and “unnecessary.”
Posts Falsely Claim FDA ‘Required’ to Take mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Off Market Due to Adulteration
As with many medical products, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may contain trace amounts of residual DNA from the manufacturing process. It is not considered adulteration, and the Food and Drug Administration is not “required” to pull the vaccines from the market, contrary to viral claims online.
Pro-Trump PAC Spars with DeSantis over Puerto Rican Statehood
A pro-Donald Trump super PAC and Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign are both spinning the facts about support for Puerto Rican statehood.
Online Video Misrepresents Putin Speech Commemorating WWII Victory
An online video shows Russian President Vladimir Putin addressing a 2021 military rally commemorating the triumph over Nazism in World War II. But an Instagram post sharing the video falsely claims Putin is shown announcing “help to Palestine” in the current war between Israel and Hamas.
IRS Funding Cut Doesn’t Offset Israel Aid in GOP Bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson cited concern about “fiscal stability” in saying that a Republican bill to provide aid for Israel would have “pay-fors in it.” But the legislation would increase the deficit, not pay for itself.
Cherry-Picking ‘Influence’ Payment from James to Joe Biden
A subpoena of bank records of Biden family members has turned up a $200,000 payment in 2018 from James Biden to his brother Joe Biden, and Rep. James Comer is citing it as proof “that Joe Biden benefited from his family’s influence peddling scheme.” But bank records are consistent with White House claims that the payment was simply repayment of a loan.