MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/18/2026

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: The Trump administration paid German energy company RWE $1.2 billion to stop building wind farms. Snopes.com rating: True (Yes, this is real.) Did Trump admin pay German energy company RWE $1.2B to stop building offshore wind farms?
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Trump expelled 58 Canadian diplomats from Washington. AFP Fact Check rating: False (AI) AI slop videos falsely claim Trump expelled 58 Canadian diplomats
MISLEADING	Claim by Chris Wright: The difference between canceled blue-state grants and red-state grants was just “a timing question.” FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (DOE had identified grants in both red and blue states for termination, but months later the red-state grants had not been terminated, while the October cancellation notices went almost entirely to blue-state recipients.) Wright’s Hairsplitting Statements About Canceled Energy Grants in Blue States
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: The FBI just raided an antifa storage unit in DC and uncovered an “aggressive algae.” Lead Stories rating: False (Satire Origin) Fact Check: FBI Did NOT Raid ‘Antifa’ Storage Unit, Find ‘Aggressive Algae’ — It’s From Satire Site
FALSE	(International: Philippines): The Department of Education (DepEd) announced the return to the four-year high school system in the country, essentially scrapping the K to 12 program. Rappler rating: False FACT CHECK: PH not reverting to 4-year high school system, K to 12 still in effect

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.

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