MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 01/13/2026

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: Project 2025, The Heritage Foundation’s document that has largely been used as a roadmap for U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term in office, contains language calling for the “re-hemisphering” of Latin American countries. Snopes rating: True (Page 184 of Project 2025 does use the word “re-hemisphering” when discussing Latin America. It uses the word in an economic context rather than a militaristic or interventionist context, with a goal of moving “manufacturing and industry closer to home.” While the next bullet point, “A ‘local’ approach to security threats,” does call for more U.S. intervention in Latin America, it proposes potential military (and other) collaborations with allies in and outside Latin America — not unilateral military operations.) Project 2025 called for ‘re-hemisphering’ in Latin America. Trump’s actions in Venezuela went further
BLATANT LIE	Claim Via Social Media: Picture of woman in pink shirt holding black-and-white bags and pointing a phone while blocking a line of SUVs marked “ICE” is real Lead Stories rating: False (Edited old photo.) Fact Check: Edited Picture Of Woman Blocking Line Of ICE SUVs Based On Historical 1989 Photo From Events In China — Does NOT Show Minneapolis
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: A video from November 2025 that circulated online in early January 2026 correctly stated that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid asks white applicants to further specify what ethnic background they have. Snopes rating: True (FAFSA began including such subcategories for people from numerous ethnic backgrounds from 2024 onwards. While some social media users believed the change could usher in discrimination against different “types” of white people, higher-education policy researchers have long supported the collection of more detailed race and ethnicity data to better understand what students from different backgrounds need. Respondents can also choose the option “prefer not to answer.”) FAFSA has asked applicants what ‘type’ of white they are since 2024. Here’s why
FALSE	Claim by Ron DeSantis (R): Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro “was releasing people from his prisons and sending them to our southern border under the Biden administration.” PolitiFact rating: False (There is no evidence from academic studies, government reports or prison monitoring organizations that Venezuela freed prisoners and sent them to the U.S.; experts say Venezuela has no such policy and its prisons remain overcrowded.) DeSantis repeats unfounded claim that Maduro sent freed Venezuelan prisoners to the US Ron DeSantis Rating
FALSE	(International: Australia): The Albanese government is dedicating 26,500 immigration slots to Afghan nationals “every year forever”. AAP rating: False (A total of 31,500 visa places have been reserved for Afghans from 2021/22 to 2025/26.) Claims about Afghan visa numbers under ‘forever’ policy don’t add up

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.