MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 02/13/2025

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 via Social Media: A study concluded that ozempic causes blindness. Lead Stories rating: False (The study was a small observational analysis of just nine patients that did not establish that the weight-loss drug caused blindness but instead found an association between the two. In other words, it is not known whether the drug, or others like it, caused the vision loss seen in the patients, or that was caused by other underlying health concerns.) Fact Check: January 2025 Study Did NOT Conclude Ozempic Causes Blindness
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: On Feb. 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump called teachers “ugly” in a Truth Social Post. Snopes rating: False (Trump did not post it. It is fake.) No, Trump did not call teachers ‘ugly’ in Truth Social post
MISLEADING	Claim by President Donald Trump (R): “[W]e don’t need the products that [Canada and Mexico] have. We have all the oil you need. We have all the trees you need, meaning the lumber.” FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (The U.S. produces significant amounts of oil and lumber, it still relies on imports from Canada and Mexico to meet demand, particularly for specific grades of oil and softwood lumber used in construction. Experts note that trade with these countries helps stabilize supply and prices, making imports essential despite domestic production.) Trump on U.S. Imports of Oil and Lumber Donald Trump Rating
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: China has imposed 75% tariffs on American goods. Logically Facts rating: False (China has imposed new tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on imported products from U.S., not 75 percent, as is being claimed on social media.) Fact-check: China has not imposed 75% tariffs on American goods
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Bill Gates Said ‘Defunding USAID Will Bring About Another Mystery Illness Across The World. MILLIONS WILL DIE’ Lead Stories rating: False (Bill Gates did not say this.) Fact Check: Bill Gates Did NOT Say ‘Defunding USAID Will Bring About Another Mystery Illness Across The World. MILLIONS WILL DIE’
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): Drug dealers are selling ‘Strawberry quick’ or Strawberry Meth to children in schools in the U.K. Logically Facts rating: False Old hoax about new drug ‘Strawberry Quick’ resurfaces

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.