MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 03/13/2026

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

MISLEADING	Claim by President Donald Trump (R): “Annual core inflation for the past three months has dropped to just 1.4%.” AP Fact Check rating: Misleading (The 1.4% figure reflects distorted data during a government shutdown. Core inflation for the final six months of 2025 was 2.6%, and overall inflation was 3% before the shutdown.) Looking back on the first year of his second term Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: An online video authentically captures Macaulay Culkin saying, “I’ll never forget that Michael Jackson saved me from getting on a plane to that tiny island,” referring to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. Snopes rating: Fake Macaulay Culkin never said Michael Jackson ‘saved’ him from Epstein
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: President Donald Trump said U.S. military officials told him they had to sink Iranian ships rather than capture them because “it’s more fun to sink them.” Snopes rating: True (That is what Trump claimed.) Trump said US military officials told him sinking Iranian ships is ‘more fun’ than capturing them
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Consuming a quarter teaspoon of turpentine oil daily is good for health. AFP rating: False (This can be very dangerous and does not offer any health benefits.) Social media videos push dangerous turpentine ‘detox’ practices
FALSE	(International: Philippines): Former president Rodrigo Duterte wants to settle the conflict with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and apologize for the “many sins” he committed against Marcos. Rappler rating: False FACT CHECK: No reports of Duterte ‘apology’ to Marcos; photo is AI-generated

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.