MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 03/20/2026

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: U.S. President Donald Trump called California Gov. Gavin Newsom “the president of the United States, Gavin Newscum.” Snopes rating: True (The White House confirmed that Trump referred to Newsom as “Newscum” but would not confirm whether Trump mistakenly, sarcastically or hypothetically referred to Newsom as president.) Did Trump call Gavin Newsom ‘president’? We checked the footage
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Images show Bill Clinton with Stephen Hawking in the Epstein files. AFP Fact Check rating: False (AI generated) Purported images of Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking in Epstein files are AI-generated
MISLEADING	Claim by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Trump administration officials: Ending greenhouse gas emissions regulations will save Americans over $1.3 trillion. FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (The $1.3 trillion figure reflects only the costs of implementing emissions standards and ignores offsetting benefits such as fuel savings, reduced maintenance costs, and health and environmental impacts. EPA’s own analysis shows that, under some scenarios, repealing the standards could cost Americans billions overall, including a projected net loss of about $180 billion in one case.) EPA’s Misleading Claim of $1.3 Trillion in Deregulatory ‘Savings’ EPA Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: U.S. President Donald Trump suggested truckers who use diesel should switch to gasoline to cut fuel costs. Snopes.com rating: False (Labeled Satire) Did Trump say truckers should switch to gasoline to cut fuel costs?
FALSE	(International: Sri Lanka): Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Sri Lanka over rescue of Iranian sailors. AFP rating: False Posts falsely claim Trump imposed punitive tariffs on Sri Lanka for rescuing Iranian sailors

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.