The Latest Fact Checks curated by Media Bias Fact Check 02/22/2024

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers who are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker. (D. Van Zandt)

Claim Codes: Red = Fact Check on a Right Claim, Blue = Fact Check on a Left Claim, Black = Not Political/Conspiracy/Pseudoscience/Other

Fact Checker bias rating Codes: Red = Right-Leaning, Green = Least Biased, Blue = Left-Leaning, Black = Unrated by MBFC

FALSE	Claim via Social Media: Vaccines contain unhealthy levels of aluminum; Japan’s elimination of vaccines has reduced infant mortality. Health Feedback rating: Incorrect (Scientific research has shown that vaccine ingredients are safe at the levels that they are used and aren’t associated with an increased risk of autism. While infant mortality rates are lower in Japan compared to the U.S., this isn’t because Japan eliminated childhood vaccination. In fact, vaccine coverage for measles and rubella in Japan is comparable to that in the U.S.) Vaccines don’t cause autism; difference in infant mortality rates between Japan and the U.S. unrelated to childhood vaccine coverage
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has declared, ‘… the data support a consistent inverse association between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ.” FactCheck.org rating: False (Safe) CDC, Experts Say Fluoridated Water Is Safe, Contrary to RFK Jr.’s Warnings RFK Jr. Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Aspiring students from ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism are seen wearing masks outside in 2024. Lead Stories rating: False (Filmed In 2021) Fact Check: Video Of Students Wearing Face Masks Was NOT Recorded In 2024 As Post Implies — It Was Filmed In 2021
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): President Joe Biden “directed New York AG Witch Hunt” into Donald Trump’s real estate PolitiFact rating: False (Letitia James said during her 2018 campaign for New York attorney general that she would investigate then-President Donald Trump. In March 2019, she began an investigation. Both of these events occurred before Joe Biden was president, or even the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.) Fact-check: Trump’s baseless claim that Biden directed the New York civil fraud investigation Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: “Trump’s hair wig falls off during rally speech!” PolitiFact rating: Pants on Fire (The video is altered. In the original clip, Donald Trump’s hair stays firmly in place.) This video doesn’t show Donald Trump’s wig flying off. That’s Pants on Fire!
FALSE	(International: Philippines): Former president Ferdinand E. Marcos deposited 156 tons of gold bars in the World Bank. Rappler rating: False FACT CHECK: No Marcos gold bars deposited in World Bank

Disclaimer: We are providing links to fact-checks by third-party fact-checkers. If you do not agree with a fact check, please directly contact the source of that fact check.