MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 05/21/2025

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

MISLEADING	Claim by Linda McMahon: In the United States, 70% of eighth-grade students cannot read at grade-level proficiency. Snopes rating: Misleading (In 2024, while 70% of U.S. eighth-graders did not reach the NAEP “Proficient” reading level, 67% met the less rigorous “Basic” level, which more closely aligns with state standards.) Linda McMahon’s claim that 70% of 8th-graders ‘can’t read proficiently’ lacks a bit of reading comprehension
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Video shows cruise ships dumping raw sewage into the ocean. Lead Stories rating: False (AI Sewage) Fact Check: AI Video Does NOT Show Actual Cruise Ships Dumping Sewage Into The Ocean — Fake Footage
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: Laurel County, KY, was unwarned about Tornado because of Trump cuts. Lead Stories rating: False (The National Weather Service issued warnings two days ahead. Multiple state officials, including Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, have said there’s no evidence the National Weather Service tornado warnings were delayed or deficient.) Fact Check: Kentucky Weather Service DID Send Out Tornado Warning Despite Trump Funding Cuts
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: A video authentically shows the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying he regrets inviting U.S. President Donald Trump to the Middle East. Snopes rating: Fake (AI-generated) Beware AI-generated audio claiming Qatari leader said he regrets inviting Trump to Middle East
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: “In 1996, Congress specifically authorized the executive branch to conduct non-judicial deportations NOT SUBJECT TO DUE PROCESS.” Politifact rating: False (Former President Bill Clinton signed a 1996 law establishing expedited removal, a fast-track deportation that allows for deportations without going before an immigration judge. Although people’s due process protections are limited under expedited removal, the process is not exempt from due process. All noncitizens in the U.S. have due process rights, regardless of their legal status or how they entered the country.) Did Bill Clinton create a fast-track deportation process exempt from due process? No.
FALSE	(International: Australia): Vaccines lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). AFP Fact Check rating: False No evidence linking vaccines to sudden infant deaths: doctors

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.