A subpoena of bank records of Biden family members has turned up a $200,000 payment in 2018 from James Biden to his brother Joe Biden, and Rep. James Comer is citing it as proof “that Joe Biden benefited from his family’s influence peddling scheme.” But bank records are consistent with White House claims that the payment was simply repayment of a loan.
Month: October 2023
COVID-19 Vaccines Have Not Been Shown to Alter DNA, Cause Cancer
Small amounts of DNA from the manufacturing process may remain in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Purification and quality control steps ensure any leftover DNA is present within regulatory limits. There isn’t reason to think that this residual DNA would alter a person’s DNA or cause cancer, contrary to claims made online.
Biden’s Misleading Talking Point on $100K No-Degree Jobs
While touting investments in semiconductor factories in the U.S., President Joe Biden has repeatedly left the misleading impression that new jobs at the facilities would pay well more than $100,000 a year for those without a college degree. But Intel has said $135,000 is the average salary for thousands of jobs, including those requiring advanced degrees.
Viral Post Uses Altered Audio of Interview with Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg recalled in a 2022 BBC interview how she began her environmental activism. But a recent video shared on social media deceptively alters the audio from that interview, making it appear that Thunberg called for the use of eco-friendly military weapons and “vegan grenades.” The altered video originated on a site that labeled it as satire.
Vitamin K Injection for Babies Is Safe and Can Save Lives, Contrary to Post
An injection of vitamin K for babies has been recommended and used safely for more than 60 years. It prevents life-threatening bleeding in newborns. But a viral post incorrectly claims the shot is harmful and unnecessary.
Posts Use Fabricated Audio to Misrepresent CNN Report During Rocket Attack in Israel
A CNN report on Oct. 9 showed a news crew in Israel taking shelter in a roadside ditch during a rocket attack. But social media posts used fabricated audio of the news coverage to falsely claim the reporters were “faking an attack.” The audio was altered by a conservative commentary organization that acknowledged “the voice over isn’t real.”
Biden’s Numbers, October 2023 Update
Statistical measures of the economy, immigration, oil production and more since Biden became president.
Social Media Posts Spread Bogus Quote From Qatari Leader
Posts on social media are spreading the baseless claim that the ruler of Qatar has “threatened that if the bombing of Gaza does not stop, he will cut off the supply of gas to the world.” The country’s government gets most of its revenue from energy exports, and there’s no record of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani making such a threat.
Trump’s Misleading Poverty Rate Comparison
The official U.S. poverty rate in 2022 “remained stable compared to 2021,” but an alternative method of measuring poverty “increased significantly, reflecting changes in economic well-being following the end of many pandemic-era programs,” the Census Bureau says in a new report.
Stefanik’s Distorted U.S. Energy Production Claim
In her speech nominating Rep. Jim Jordan as House speaker, Rep. Elise Stefanik distorted the facts about U.S. energy production and the reasons for higher gasoline prices and utility bills.