At a campaign rally in Michigan, former President Donald Trump promised to build an Iron Dome missile defense system for the U.S. that would serve as “a shield around our country.” A post on Threads falsely claimed Trump said the system would be used to “‘defend us’ from Canada.”
FactCheck Posts
Trump’s Bogus Attack on FBI Crime Statistics
Still No Evidence COVID-19 Vaccination Increases Cancer Risk, Despite Posts
It has not been shown that COVID-19 vaccines cause or accelerate cancer. Yet opponents of the vaccines say a new review article “has found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could aid cancer development.” The review conclusions are mainly based on the misinterpretation of a study on mRNA cancer vaccines in mice.
Biden’s Dubious Civil Rights Arrest Anecdote
Posts Misrepresent Raising of Palestinian Flags at Harvard
Protesters against the war in Gaza raised three Palestinian flags on the Harvard University campus on April 27. Social media posts misleadingly claimed the university “replaced the American flag with the Palestinian flag.” The Palestinian flags were removed by Harvard staff shortly after they were raised by the protesters.
Posts Misrepresent Immigrants’ Eligibility for Social Security Numbers, Benefits
Immigrants who are lawfully living or authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for a Social Security number and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. But viral posts make the false claim that “illegal immigrants” can receive Social Security numbers and retirement benefits, and they confuse two programs managed by the Social Security Administration.
Biden’s Numbers, April 2024 Update
Trump’s Partisan Spin on TikTok
Q&A on Reducing COVID-19 Risk for Elderly, Immunocompromised
While the risks associated with COVID-19 generally have decreased over time due to prior exposure to the vaccines and the virus, some people remain at elevated risk, such as the elderly and immunocompromised. The updated COVID-19 vaccines and, in some cases, a new monoclonal antibody can provide increased protection for this group.