MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 10/09/2025

Fact Check Search

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

TRUE	Claim via Social Media: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said, “How about we all come together and say, ‘Let’s stop attacking pedophiles.'” Snopes rating: Correct Attribution (Cruz honestly, and mistakenly, said these words during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington on Sept. 30, 2025. Cruz made the remark while talking about falling Washington crime rates. The context of his comments showed he intended to say “Let’s stop pedophiles” or a similar statement.) Did Ted Cruz say, ‘Let’s stop attacking pedophiles’? Yes, but it’s reportedly a gaffe
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Turning Point USA has announced its own alternative Super Bowl halftime show in protest of selection of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Lead Stories rating: False (They did not announce it.) Fact Check: Turning Point USA Did NOT Announce They’re Doing Their Own Super Bowl Halftime Concert
FALSE	Claim by President Donald Trump (R): “Portland is burning to the ground.” PolitiFact rating: False (Since June, dozens of protesters near an ICE facility have been arrested by local or federal law enforcement, including for assault. There have been a few small fires outside the ICE facility. A few people have been arrested for arson. Protests have been largely confined to a two-block area of the 145-square-mile city, police and news reports show.) Portland ICE protests have not led to the city’s ‘burning to the ground’ Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Aerosmith lead vocalist Steven Tyler blasted what he labeled as the “woke agenda,” refusing to wear a rainbow-themed patch in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Snopes rating: False (Fabiricated) Did Steven Tyler blast ‘woke agenda,’ refuse to wear rainbow patch supporting LGBTQ+ community?
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): Sir Keir Starmer has legalised marriage between brothers and sisters or parents and their children. Full Fact rating: False (Marriage between close relatives is illegal in the UK.) No, the government hasn’t legalised marriage between brothers and sisters and parents and children – Full Fact

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.