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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Threads Post Distorts Trump’s Remarks on Iron Dome for U.S.

Threads Post Distorts Trump’s Remarks on Iron Dome for U.S.

At a campaign rally in Michigan, former President Donald Trump promised to build an Iron Dome missile defense system for the U.S. that would serve as “a shield around our country.” A post on Threads falsely claimed Trump said the system would be used to “‘defend us’ from Canada.”

Still No Evidence COVID-19 Vaccination Increases Cancer Risk, Despite Posts

Still No Evidence COVID-19 Vaccination Increases Cancer Risk, Despite Posts

It has not been shown that COVID-19 vaccines cause or accelerate cancer. Yet opponents of the vaccines say a new review article “has found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could aid cancer development.” The review conclusions are mainly based on the misinterpretation of a study on mRNA cancer vaccines in mice.

Biden’s Dubious Civil Rights Arrest Anecdote

Biden’s Dubious Civil Rights Arrest Anecdote

In his interview with SiriusXM radio’s Howard Stern, President Joe Biden revived a dubious anecdote about having been arrested as a teenager while standing in solidarity on the porch of a Black family amid a desegregation protest.

Posts Misrepresent Raising of Palestinian Flags at Harvard

Posts Misrepresent Raising of Palestinian Flags at Harvard

Protesters against the war in Gaza raised three Palestinian flags on the Harvard University campus on April 27. Social media posts misleadingly claimed the university “replaced the American flag with the Palestinian flag.” The Palestinian flags were removed by Harvard staff shortly after they were raised by the protesters.

Posts Misrepresent Immigrants’ Eligibility for Social Security Numbers, Benefits

Posts Misrepresent Immigrants’ Eligibility for Social Security Numbers, Benefits

Immigrants who are lawfully living or authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible for a Social Security number and, in some cases, Social Security benefits. But viral posts make the false claim that “illegal immigrants” can receive Social Security numbers and retirement benefits, and they confuse two programs managed by the Social Security Administration.

Trump’s Partisan Spin on TikTok

Trump’s Partisan Spin on TikTok

Former President Donald Trump said he wants young voters to know that “Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok.” But a TikTok ban enjoys broad bipartisan support in Congress. Trump himself tried to ban TikTok as president through an executive order, but it was blocked by the courts.

Q&A on Reducing COVID-19 Risk for Elderly, Immunocompromised

Q&A on Reducing COVID-19 Risk for Elderly, Immunocompromised

While the risks associated with COVID-19 generally have decreased over time due to prior exposure to the vaccines and the virus, some people remain at elevated risk, such as the elderly and immunocompromised. The updated COVID-19 vaccines and, in some cases, a new monoclonal antibody can provide increased protection for this group.

FactChecking Biden’s Swing-State Stops in Pennsylvania

FactChecking Biden’s Swing-State Stops in Pennsylvania

While former President Donald Trump spent much of his week in court, President Joe Biden visited the swing state of Pennsylvania for three days and gave speeches in Scranton, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. We flagged some false and misleading claims, including several common talking points.