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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Baseless Claims Proliferate on Hurricanes and Weather Modification

Baseless Claims Proliferate on Hurricanes and Weather Modification

Experts say people cannot create or meaningfully alter hurricanes through existing weather modification techniques. That has not stopped a deluge of social media posts baselessly claiming or implying that Hurricanes Helene and Milton were intentionally created, steered or otherwise controlled by someone.

Partisan Controversy Over Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility

Partisan Controversy Over Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility

Both Easter and the Transgender Day of Visibility happened to fall on March 31 this year. President Joe Biden recognized both occasions, as he has done every year in office. But some social media posts and conservative politicians characterized his acknowledgement of Transgender Day of Visibility as “mocking” Easter and declaring “war” on Christianity.

The Whoppers of 2023

The Whoppers of 2023

Claims from the president, a former president and other presidential hopefuls made the list.

The Problem with Greene’s Warning About ‘Communist Takeover’ of Judicial System

The Problem with Greene’s Warning About ‘Communist Takeover’ of Judicial System

Responding to news that the former national leader of the Proud Boys was sentenced to 22 years for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene commented: “We are witnessing a communist takeover of our judicial system to target political enemies.” But Enrique Tarrio was found guilty by a jury, and the judge who sentenced him was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

McCarthy Is Supportive of Raskin’s Head Covering, Contrary to Online Posts

McCarthy Is Supportive of Raskin’s Head Covering, Contrary to Online Posts

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland wears head coverings on the House floor to cover his hair loss while undergoing treatment for cancer. Social media posts falsely claim that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, refused to allow Raskin to wear his head covering. The posts misinterpret a joke Raskin made in response to a question. 

Blood Transfusion Doesn’t Transfer COVID-19 Vaccine

Blood Transfusion Doesn’t Transfer COVID-19 Vaccine

A blood transfusion from a vaccinated person doesn’t transfer the inoculation to an unvaccinated person. But high-profile purveyors of misinformation have been promoting the long-standing false claim that it does.