MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 12/05/2025

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

BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): A video shows Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro “publicly surrendered” to President Trump and provided state evidence implicating Joe Biden in directing Tren de Aragua gangs. PolitiFact rating: Pants on Fire (The video Trump shared was not breaking news, nor did it show Maduro surrendering. It was a February speech in which Maduro urged Trump to request FBI and DEA records and made unproven allegations about U.S. officials. Maduro has remained publicly defiant, appearing at rallies, criticizing U.S. actions as “psychological terrorism,” and showing no indication of surrender.) Trump’s pardon comments omit why former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández was prosecuted Donald Trump Rating
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: During a White House Cabinet meeting in December 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s title was misspelled on his placard as “Ssecretary of War.” Snopes rating: True (This is true) Pete Hegseth’s title was misspelled as ‘Ssecretary of War’ on nameplate
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: The Coast Guard reported drugs were found on just 21% of the suspected drug-trafficking boats stopped in the 13 months before airstrikes. Lead Stories rating: False (the actual number was 81%) Fact Check: Coast Guard Did NOT Report 21% Of Suspected Trafficking Boats Stopped Off Venezuela Before Airstrikes Had Drugs — It Was 81%
FALSE	(International: Australia): A native title claim over Melbourne means people could be forced to leave their homes. AAP rating: False (Native title determinations do not apply to freehold private property.) Melbourne native title claim will not ‘steal people’s homes’

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.