MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 01/16/2025

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 by A More Perfect Union: “One billionaire couple owns almost all the water in California.” Politifact rating: False (Stewart and Lynda Resnick, through Wonderful Co., own a water bank capable of storing 1.5 million acre-feet of water, which is a small fraction of California’s total water supply, including its vast groundwater basins and surface reservoirs.) Does a billionaire couple own almost all the water in California? Here’s why that’s False.
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): President-Elect Donald Trump stated in remarks on New Years Eve at Mar-A-Lago that he has never changed his stance on the H1-B visa program. Check Your Fact rating: False (Trump stated in 2016 that he would “end forever the use of the H1-B as a cheap labor program.” He also promoted the “Buy American, Hire American” executive order in 2017.) FACT CHECK: Did President Trump ‘Never’ Change His Mind About H1-B Visas? Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Taylor Swift said the LA wildfires are “divine retribution” for US support of Israel. Australian Associated Press rating: False (The video is a deepfake.) Video of Taylor Swift calling California wildfires ‘divine retribution’ is fake
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: U.S. TikTok users can still use the app once it’s banned. KGW rating: True (Yes, current U.S. users could still legally use TikTok if the ban goes into effect because the ban is aimed at app stores, not individuals. But TikTok said it might shut the app down anyway on Jan. 19.) TikTok ruling: What a ban could mean for you
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: FEMA is giving California wildfire victims just $770. KHOU rating: False (Wildfire victims can apply for much more FEMA relief.) FEMA isn’t giving California wildfire victims just $770
FALSE	(International: South Africa): Bodies stolen at South African mortuary AFP Fact Check rating: False Post falsely claims 23 bodies were stolen from a South African mortuary over holidays

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.