MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/21/2026

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

MOSTLY TRUE	Claim via Social Media: In August 2026, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump declared brass instruments a national security threat and imposed tariffs on them. Snopes rating: Mostly True (Brass instruments were included in the proposed tariffs, but only because they contain copper alloys, not because the instruments themselves were deemed a national security threat.) Did Trump admin declare brass instruments a national security threat?
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Donald Trump (R): Children receive “72 jabs,” and hepatitis B shots should not be given until age 14 or 15. The Dispatch rating: False (The “72” figure includes annual flu and COVID vaccines, many vaccines are combined or oral, and hepatitis B vaccination has been recommended at birth for infants since 1991.) Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Statements on Vaccines Donald Trump Rating
MISLEADING	Claim via Social Media: Hakeem Jeffries took more than $300,000 of PAC money from healthcare companies during the 2026 midterm election cycle before coming out against Medicare for All. Snopes rating: Misleading (Jeffries did receive substantial healthcare-industry PAC money and opposes Medicare for All, but the evidence does not show that those donors broadly oppose universal healthcare or caused his position.) Unraveling claim Hakeem Jeffries took $300K from healthcare PACs before opposing Medicare for All
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Starbucks is hiring 10,000 Muslims. Full Fact rating: False (In 2017 then-CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, said that the company would hire 10,000 refugees, not Muslims specifically, globally over five years.) Starbucks never pledged to hire 10,000 Muslims – Full Fact
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): Under the 1939 Cancer Act it’s a criminal offense for medical practitioners to even advise patients on potential cancer cures. Full Fact rating: False (The Cancer Act 1939 prohibits advertisements promoting cancer treatments to the general public. It doesn’t prevent medical practitioners from treating patients.) The Cancer Act 1939 doesn’t make it ‘illegal to cure cancer’ – 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.

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