MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 05/17/2024

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: Chinese scientists “created (a) new COVID-19 strain (with) 100% fatality.” PolitiFact rating: False (All four mice infected with GX_P2V died in the experiment, but the researchers said this result doesn’t apply to humans. The researchers did not create the GX_P2V coronavirus. Since its discovery in 2017, GX_P2V, like all coronaviruses, has adapted and produced variants. The researchers cloned a cell-adapted variant of GX_P2V to use in their study.) Claim that Chinese scientists created 100% fatal COVID-19 strain misconstrues study’s findings
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Joe Biden (D): “It [inflation] was 9% when I came to office, 9%.” FactCheck.org rating: False (When President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, the U.S. annual rate of inflation was 1.4%. Inflation rose quickly in Biden’s first year, but it didn’t hit 9% until 17 months into his presidency.) FactChecking Biden on Inflation, Other Claims Joe Biden Rating
FALSE	Claim by Paul Renner (R): For health risk exceptions in Florida’s abortion amendment, “You’re not even talking to a doctor to make that determination.” PolitiFact rating: False (Although the amendment doesn’t define “health care provider,” legal experts said it would not allow people who aren’t licensed to provide health care to determine whether a patient qualifies for a health risk exception.) Florida abortion amendment wouldn’t let tattoo artists, receptionists decide health risk exceptions
FALSE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): “Biden wants to immediately stop all aid to Israel.” PolitiFact rating: False (In May, the United States paused one shipment of weapons to Israel consisting of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. Biden also said the U.S. will continue to provide aid to Israel.) Trump said Biden wants to ‘immediately stop all aid to Israel.’ That’s not what Biden said Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: New bill would make women register pregnancies with federal government. USA Today rating: False (The claim is baseless. The “More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act” would, in part, create a government website with resources for pregnant and postpartum women. Pregnant women would not be required to visit the website or give their contact information to the federal government, and the website would not solicit information about a user’s pregnancy status.) False claims circulate on Sen. Katie Britt’s MOMS Act \| Fact check
FALSE	(International: Germany): German politician Björn Höcke was fined in May 2024 for simply using a patriotic phrase in a speech three years earlier. Lead Stories rating: False (Nazi Slogan) Fact Check: German Politician NOT Convicted, Fined For Simply Using Patriotic Phrase During 2021 Speech — Penalty Has Broader Context

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.