politifact

Fact-checking Trump’s claims about homicides in DC

By Maria Ramirez Uribe, PolitiFact

President Donald Trump stretched an outdated homicide rate into an inaccurate blanket statement.

Can Trump invoke a federal takeover of DC? Experts say it’s possible, but not simple

By Louis Jacobson, Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact

After a DOGE employee was beaten in an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump threatened to “federalize” the district. What does it mean to federalize, and can he do that?…

What is a visa bond? Here’s who is affected by the U.S. State Department’s new program

By Gabrielle Lazor, Samantha Putterman, PolitiFact

The U.S. State Department announced a new rule implementing up to $15,000 bonds on tourism and business visa applicants from countries with historically higher rates of visa overstays. Here’s who’s affected by the change.

The facts and timeline of Trump and Epstein’s falling out

By Madison Czopek, Gabrielle Lazor, PolitiFact

Before Trump’s presidency and Epstein’s conviction as a sex offender, the two socialized at soirées with Victoria’s Secret models, parties in Palm Beach, Florida, and trips between New York and Florida on Epstein’s private jet.

What to know about the dismissal of the Epstein files by Trump’s Justice Department

By Maria Ramirez Uribe, Amy Sherman, PolitiFact

The Trump administration said there’s no Epstein “client list” and releasing more information isn’t warranted. The announcement divided Trump supporters and members of his administration. Here’s what to know.

Why does the AI-powered chatbot Grok post false, offensive things on X?

By Madison Czopek, PolitiFact

Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, has praised Hitler, dabbled in Holocaust denialism and ranted about “white genocide” in South Africa. That’s happening because of Grok’s instructions and training material, experts say.

Fact-checking Trump’s remarks at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ on immigration and Medicaid

By Maria Briceño, Louis Jacobson, Amy Sherman, PolitiFact

President Donald Trump toured Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility in the Everglades ahead of its first expected detainees. Here is a fact-check of some of his remarks.

What is thimerosal? What the research says about the vaccine preservative under fire by RFK Jr.

By Madison Czopek, PolitiFact

Thimerosal has been at the heart of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s antivaccine activism for 20 years. Here’s what to know about the vaccine preservative and its removal from flu vaccines.

Why possible U.S. attack on Iran could break a U.S.-Israel pattern of distance

By Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact

Over the first five days of Israel’s campaign, Iran experienced major losses — in leadership, military assets and nuclear facilities. Analysts said the attacks left the nation’s Islamic government at its weakest point in decades.

Fact-checking unsubstantiated claims linking Gov. Walz to Minnesota lawmakers’ shootings

By Madison Czopek, PolitiFact

In 2019, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz reappointed the suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of Minnesota state legislators to a workforce development board. Conservatives baselessly said that implicated Walz in the killing.