A persistent online rumor claims that U.S. Social Security payments have been officially renamed “federal benefit payments.” This assertion is false. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has long categorized its disbursements as “federal benefit payments.” This is not a new designation or an official name change. The term “benefits” itself is used by the SSA … Read more
Florida Republicans gathered in South Florida on June 27 for an event they dubbed the "Sunshine State Showdown." For U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who was the featured speaker and the leading GOP contender for governor, the occasion felt more like a cordial discussion than a contest. The event did not feature a debate among gubernatorial … Read more
A claim circulating on social media alleged that a U.S. military dog named Valor was honored at the Pentagon for surviving a suicide bombing and saving 47 soldiers in 2023. This story, which appeared on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit, described Valor as being injured by a suicide bomber, subsequently stopping three more attackers, … Read more
A story circulating online claimed that a beluga whale escaped from a research facility in Seward, Alaska, to reunite with its calf. The narrative described the whale meticulously planning its escape and traveling hundreds of miles back to Cook Inlet to be with its young. Accompanying this story were images purportedly showing the whale leaping … Read more
A widely circulated online post depicted what appeared to be a New York Post front page, featuring Jalen Brunson and a headline suggesting the Knicks had declined an invitation. The image, circulating online, claims that the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks turned down President Donald Trump’s invitation to the White House due to his … Read more
A viral social media post falsely reporting the death of actor and comedian Patton Oswalt has circulated widely. The rumor gained traction on June 26, 2026, after an X user shared a photo of Oswalt with a caption that suggested his passing. The post quickly garnered millions of views, leading to confusion and numerous corrections … Read more
A circulated image depicting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool surrounded by guard towers and barbed wire fencing is false. The image purports to show the area in June 2026, after renovations. Claims circulating on social media suggest that the Trump administration erected such security measures around the reflecting pool. However, a review of photographs from … Read more
Speculation is circulating online regarding President Donald Trump’s potential involvement in presenting the trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19. A viral social media post suggested that FIFA officials are attempting to dissuade Trump from participating in the ceremony, citing concerns about European football fans chanting rhymes that reference Jeffrey Epstein. … Read more
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been falsely attributed a statement comparing unemployment rates under President Trump to those under President Biden. The quote, which claims an unemployment rate of 4.3% under Trump and 3.4% under Biden, has circulated online, particularly on social media platforms like X and Instagram. Upon investigation, there is no … Read more
Amidst ongoing US-Iran tensions following recent American strikes, a viral social media post has reignited discussions about the 2026 Iran conflict. The post alleges that the US government suppressed casualty numbers, falsely reporting downed pilots as rescued and misleading the public about the true extent of American military losses under President Donald Trump. The claim … Read more