Item: MBFC’s Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/22/2025
Rating: Right
Author: Media Bias Fact Check

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that 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

BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): The Smithsonian Institution includes “nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.” PolitiFact rating: Pants on Fire (The Smithsonian’s 21 museums highlight U.S. achievements across history, science, and culture, from the Air and Space Museum’s celebration of American space exploration to exhibits honoring Black athletes, musicians, and leaders. While slavery and racism are addressed, the museums are filled with patriotic, innovative, and celebratory displays of American success.) We went to the Smithsonian museums. They are filled with ’brightness’ and ‘success’ Donald Trump Rating
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: If atmospheric CO2 levels nearly doubled, global temperatures would only increase by 0.35C. AAP rating: False (Scientists estimate that doubling atmospheric CO2 levels will increase the average global surface temperature by about 3C.) Half-baked CO2 heating claim hugely understates potential global warming
MOSTLY TRUE	Claim via Social Media: Pharmaceutical companies behind weight loss and diabetes medication such as Ozempic are facing a lawsuit that could potentially pay out more than $2 billion. Snopes rating: Mostly True (There is ongoing multidistrict litigation against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly over alleged side effects from Ozempic and similar drugs, with more than 2,600 cases filed as of August 2025. However, claims that payouts could exceed $2 billion are speculative, as no documented evidence supports that figure.) Ozempic, other weight-loss drug makers face lawsuits. Here’s what we know
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, received a $44 million USAID grant after dropping out of the 2016 presidential race. Lead Stories rating: False (Originated as satire) Fact Check: Bernie Sanders Did NOT Get $44 Million USAID Grant After Dropping Out Of 2016 Presidential Race
FALSE	(International: India): India officially invites BRICS countries to trade in local currency instead of the US dollar. The Quint rating: False Did India Move BRICS Nations To Trade In Local Currency? No, Claim is Misleading

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.