MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 05/19/2025

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

TRUE	Did he say it? U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” Snopes rating: True (Correct Attribution) See moment where RFK Jr. said he doesn’t think people should take his medical advice for yourself
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): Declining cargo traffic at U.S. ports “means we lose less money. … When you say it’s slowed down, that’s a good thing.” PolitiFact rating: False (Less U.S. spending on imports does not mean the U.S. loses less money. Economists say international trade enables affordable consumer products, and if foreign imports are slashed, consumers will end up paying higher prices and potentially buying less, which would have spiraling effects through the economy.) Trump calls cargo slowdown a “good thing.” Economists say no Donald Trump Rating
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: Strands in tomatoes mean something weird is happening with American Food. Lead Stories rating: False (It was caused by seeds and is perfectly safe.) Fact Check: Stringy Strands In Ripe Tomatoes Do NOT Portend That ‘Something Weird Is Happening With American Food’ — Those Are Sprouting Seeds
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: In 2015, then-President Barack Obama accepted a “sky palace” jet as a gift from Qatar. Snopes.com rating: False (No evidence) Rumor Obama accepted jet from Qatar in 2015 doesn’t fly
MISLEADING	Claim by Sen. Bernie Sanders: “Republicans just unveiled their ‘big, beautiful bill,’ which will take Medicaid & health insurance away from 13.7 million Americans.” PolitiFact rating: Misleading (The House Republican budget legislation would reduce the number of people with health insurance by at least 8.6 million by 2034, according to a nonpartisan analysis. The proposal is a working draft. Sanders is counting policy changes not in the current draft to reach the higher, 13.7 million figure. Bernie Sanders says GOP bill would strip Medicaid, health care from 13.7 million. That’s too high.
FALSE	(International: Australia): President Trump posted on Truth Social that Australian PM Antony Albanese was a “total retard” Lead Stories rating: Fake Post Fact Check: FAKE Truth Social Screenshot Has Trump Calling Australian PM Albanese The R-Word — Fabricated Image

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.