On July 8, 2026, a photograph of former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and reality television personality Spencer Pratt, taken in the White House alongside the Declaration of Independence, circulated online. Multiple social media posts alleged that Pratt had shared the image with a caption stating that the historical document reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal except for communists.”
Snopes received inquiries from readers seeking confirmation of Pratt’s alleged statement. Many of Pratt’s followers shared the purported quote, hailing it as a definitive remark.
Pratt did indeed post the photograph with the accompanying caption. The image and text were found on his verified social media accounts. While the caption is authentic, it appears to represent Pratt’s personal political commentary rather than an assertion about the Declaration of Independence’s original text. Therefore, the claim is rated as correctly attributed.
Pratt shared the photo on his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts on July 8. His caption read: “If you look closely, it reads ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…except for communists.'”
The phrase “communism” emerged in the 1840s, long after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Pratt, a registered Republican, previously ran for Los Angeles mayor. He garnered third place in the primary election. His candidacy received an endorsement from then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who also made unsubstantiated claims about the primary results being “rigged.” Although Pratt conceded the race, he vowed to continue his political fight and indicated he possessed damaging information about his opponents.
The term “communism” did not exist when the Declaration of Independence was drafted. The historical document was signed in 1776, while the concept and term “communism” did not arise until the 1840s.
Pratt’s social media history includes numerous anti-communism and anti-socialism posts. He has criticized the Democratic Socialists of America, accusing them of attempting to “destroy” society and labeling them as “crazy” communists. Pratt was contacted for comment, and any response will be included if received.
The claim is considered correct in its attribution, as Spencer Pratt did post the photograph with the specified caption. However, the context suggests this was an expression of his political views, not an assertion of historical fact regarding the Declaration of Independence. His use of the phrase “if you look closely” likely indicates a humorous or satirical intent.
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