Block, Siteadmin, SkipCaptcha, Upload, Automoderated users, delete, edit, move, nsTeam2RO, nsTeam2RW, nsTeam2_talkRO, nsTeam2_talkRW, protect, rollback, Administrators, template
296,243
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 78:
Line 78: − − ==Other examples of fake news== − While many examples of fake news appeared during Donald Trump's presidency, the problem existed long before his election.<ref>Miller, S.A. (December 30, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/dec/30/donald-trumps-fake-news-call-often-real/ 'Fake news' a real problem long before Trump era, media watchdogs say]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 31, 2018.</ref> − − One of the more infamous examples of fake news was when former CBS News anchor [[Dan Rather]] used forgeries of the Killian Documents on George W. Bush's service record in order to sway the 2004 election, which resulted in his firing after being exposed. See [[Rathergate]] for more details. − − [[File:Rice Benghazi.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Obama National Security Advisor Susan Rice putting out the fake news narrative that a planned terrorist attack and massacre of Americans was only a spontaneous riot spawned out of a peaceful demonstration.]] − Obama National Security Advisor [[Susan Rice]] appeared on the five major network Sunday talk shows to put out an official fake news narrative that a [[terrorist]] attack against Americans two months before a presidential election was only a peaceful demonstration that turned into a riot. Despite evidence the contrary, many mainstream news organizations adopted the fake news narrative as fact for its viewers and readers and branded skeptics as conspiracy theorists and racists who opposed a black president. − − The most common example of fake news is the "click bait" ads that appear on social media sites saying "Hollywood prepares to say good-bye to [name of celebrity]" implying that the celebrity has just died. People then click on the ad to visit a website to learn about the celebrity's death, which boosts the number of page views on that site. However, the fake news will trend if more people start re-tweeting or sharing the item without visiting the underlying website in the belief that the celebrity has just died. − − Fake news is frequently used by radical Islamic terrorists to recruit new adherents. The terrorists will either create or embellish fake news accounts of anti-Islamic acts to radicalize members in target populations. For example, terrorists would spread news accounts of people urinating on the Koran at U.S. military prisons. Another fake news item was that a U.S. company was hiring mercenaries to kill ISIS militants.<ref name=snopes/> Again, the emotional impact of the fake news assured that it would spread quickly through social media. − − According to FBI cyber experts, during the 2016 presidential election, Russians used armies of Twitter bots to spread fake news using accounts that seem to be Midwestern swing-voter Republicans.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/04/03/522503844/how-russian-twitter-bots-pumped-out-fake-news-during-the-2016-election|title=How Russian Twitter Bots Pumped Out Fake News During The 2016 Election|date=April 3, 2017|work=NPR|accessdate=April 4, 2017}}</ref> Leading up to the March 15, 2017 election in the Netherlands, Russia was found to use social media to spread "fake news" to influence public opinion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-spread-fake-news-during-dutch-election-report-putin/|title=Russia spread fake news during Dutch election: report|date=April 4, 2017|work=Politico|accessdate=April 4, 2017}}</ref> − [[File:Velshi-riot.jpeg|left|350px|thumb|While buildings burned behind him, Ali Velshi of MSNBC reported with a straight face that "protests" during the [[2020 leftwing riots]] were "not generally speaking unruly."<ref>https://hotair.com/archives/ed-morrissey/2020/05/29/msnbc-reporter-front-burning-liquor-store-protest-not-generally-speaking-unruly/</ref>]] − One possible example of fake news was the announcement by the [[mainstream media]] that [[Fidel Castro]] died at age 90 on November 25, 2016.<ref>https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/26/americas/fidel-castro-obit/</ref> In fact, the [[Obama Administration]] and major news outlets were likely aware that Castro had died of a terminal illness many years earlier. Indeed, [[Obama]] did not even mention, let alone visit, Castro during Obama's visit to Cuba in March 2016, and neither the president, vice-president, or other high-ranking elected official of the United States attended Castro's "funeral". − − One fake news item from ''Freedom Daily'' in February 2017 was: "BREAKING: Federal Judge Just Officially Ruled CNN Is FAKE NEWS And Forces SHOCKING Punishment On Them!" However, this was a misreporting of a Georgia federal district court judge denying CNN's motion for summary judgment in a defamation action filed by a hospital executive against CNN. No "shocking punishment" was involved and the case will go to trial on the merits.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.snopes.com/cnn-fake-news/|title=Did a Judge Rule That CNN Is 'Fake News'?|date=Feb 17, 2017|accessdate=April 5, 2017|work=Snopes}}</ref> − − A poorly-sourced February 4, 2017 ''Washington Post'' article claimed a feud existed between DHS Secretary [[John F. Kelly]] and [[Steve Bannon]], when in fact, none existed. The article's author was forced to admit his error.<ref>Hayward, John (February 8, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/08/fake-news-dhs-secretary-calls-wapo-john-kelly-steve-bannon-feud-a-fantasy-story/ Fake News: DHS Secretary Calls WaPo ‘John Kelly-Steve Bannon Feud’ a ‘Fantasy Story’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref> In June 2017, the [[Associated Press]] reported, and later corrected, a story that EPA Administrator [[Scott Pruitt]] met with Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris – something which did not actually happen.<ref>Boyle, Matthew (June 30, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/30/fake-news-associated-press-engulfed-in-cnn-level-scandal-as-it-covers-up-invention-of-imaginary-pruitt-meeting/ Fake News: Associated Press Engulfed in CNN-Level Scandal as It Covers Up Invention of Imaginary Pruitt Meeting]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 1, 2017.</ref> − − In November 2017, ''The Washington Post'' claimed that the conservative [[Breitbart News]] created the nickname "Mr. Perfect" when referring to [[Jared Kushner]], while in reality, Kushner's own companies created the nickname to promote themselves in China.<ref>Mason, Ian (November 27, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/27/wapo-forgets-kushners-came-up-with-mr-perfect-on-their-own/ WaPo Forgets Kushners Came Up with ‘Mr. Perfect’ on Their Own]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 27, 2017.</ref> Also in November 2017, [[MSNBC]]'s ''Morning Joe'' show was caught broadcasting a pre-taped post-Thanksgiving show while pretending on air to be broadcasting live.<ref>Rodriguez, Katherine (November 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/11/26/fake-news-morning-joe-caught-pretending-pre-taped-day-thanksgiving-show-live/ Fake News: Morning Joe Caught Pretending Pre-Taped Day After Thanksgiving Show Was Live]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 27, 2017.</ref> − − In April 2018, the Associated Press and ''The Washington Post'' falsely claimed that the NRA decided to ban concealed carry at an upcoming speech by Vice President [[Mike Pence]] at its convention, when it was actually the Secret Service that forced the organization to do so.<ref>Multiple references: − *Hawkins, Awr (April 30, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/04/30/fake-news-ap-wapo-claim-nra-bans-guns-at-mike-pence-speech/ Fake News: AP, WaPo Claim NRA Bans Guns at Mike Pence Speech]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 30, 2018. − *Adelmann, Bob (May 1, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/item/28948-more-fake-news-nra-bans-guns-at-its-own-convention More Fake News: NRA Bans Guns at Its Own Convention!] ''The New American''. Retrieved May 1, 2018. − *Richardson, Bradford (April 30, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/apr/30/associated-press-issues-correction-report-nra-bann/ AP issues correction on report that NRA banned guns for Mike Pence speech]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 30, 2018. − *Concha, Joe (April 30, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/media/385563-ap-corrects-earlier-report-that-nra-banned-guns-at-pence-speech AP corrects earlier report that NRA banned guns at Pence speech]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 30, 2018.</ref> − − In June 2019, ''MSNBC'' news anchor [[Kasie Hunt]] spread the Fake News narrative that 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate [[Joe Biden]] mentioned being able to work with [[Segregationists]] who were misidentified as "Republicans". Joe Biden did specifically name two segregationist Senators: [[James Eastland]] of [[Mississippi]] and [[Herman Talmadge]] of [[Georgia]]. However, both men were "proud, card-carrying members of the Democrat Party".<ref>Kasie Hunt Spreads Fake News Biden’s Segregationist Pals Were ‘Republicans’, https://www.teaparty.org/kasie-hunt-spreads-fake-news-bidens-segregationist-pals-were-republicans-368762/, June 19, 2019</ref><ref>U.S. Breaking News, Kasie Hunt Spreads Fake News Biden’s Segregationist Pals Were ‘Republicans’, https://usbreakingnews.net/2019/06/20/kasie-hunt-spreads-fake-news-bidens-segregationist-pals-were-republicans/, June 20, 2019</ref> − − While a relatively unimportant example, many media outlets reported December 31, 2019, as the last day of the decade when 2020 was also part of the same decade.<ref>Byas, Steve (January 1, 2020). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/34492-end-of-decade-stories-illustrate-how-media-perpetuates-false-narratives “End of Decade” Stories Illustrate How Media Perpetuates False Narratives]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 1, 2020.</ref> − − ''[[The Hill]]'' claimed in a since-deleted tweet on [[Independence Day]] in 2020 that Gov. [[Kristi Noem]]'s opposition to removing Confederate statues was an "effort to "discredit" founding fathers".<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20200704112631/https://twitter.com/thehill/status/1279374661877448705 The Hill on Twitter: "South Dakota governor..."]. ''Twitter via archive.is''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> This falsehood is contrary to Noem's actual remarks, which did not include any such specifications ''The Hill'' insinuated.<ref>[https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=27004 Braving the Dangers of the Arena]. ''South Dakota State News''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> − − ''[[The Hill]]'' claimed in mid-December 2020 that Sen. [[Kelly Loeffler]] had supposedly defended a photo she took with a former [[KKK]] leader,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20201213234140/https://twitter.com/thehill/status/1338267724963852298 The Hill via Twitter: "Loeffler's campaign..."]. ''Twitter via archive.is''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> which is false, as she condemned the white supremacist whose racist background she had not known at the time the photo was taken.<ref>[https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/loeffler-disavows-photo-taken-with-longtime-white-supremacist/THDEXQYGOFEHNJAYOFNSQCWHZU/ Loeffler disavows photo taken with longtime white supremacist]. ''AJC''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> − − After Congresswoman Mary Miller made a blunt gaffe in saying that mass murderer [[Adolf Hitler]] was "right" that indoctrinating the youth means controlling the future, several media outlets outright falsely suggested that she held a positive stance on the ruthless dictator.<ref>[https://crooksandliars.com/2021/01/new-congresswoman-mary-miller-praises New Congresswoman Mary Miller Praises Hitler In Trump Rally Speech]. ''Crooks and Liars''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/rep-mary-miller-gop-lawmaker-who-praised-hitler-accuses-critics-of-trying-to-twist-words GOP Lawmaker Who Praised Hitler Apologizes—Then Accuses Critics of Trying to ‘Twist’ Words]. ''The Daily Beast''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mary-miller-hitler-apology-republican-illinois Freshman GOP congresswoman apologizes for pro-Hitler reference at rally]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref><ref>[https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/1/6/22217876/illinois-rep-mary-miller-praises-hitler-rep-jan-schakowsky-calls-on-her-to-resign-at-trump-rally After Illinois Rep. Mary Miller praises Hitler, Rep. Jan Schakowsky calls on her to resign]. ''Chicago Sun Times''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> The sources misconstrued and misinterpreted her words to imply that quoting the rhetoric of an evil person meant praising them, which is a fallacy.<ref>[https://jg-tc.com/opinion/letters/letter-u-s-rep-mary-miller-did-nothing-wrong-referencing-hitler/article_8edba8bc-e66b-5151-9d07-2f0a7dfbfb16.html LETTER: U.S. Rep. Mary Miller did nothing wrong referencing Hitler]. ''JG-TC''. Retrieved January 22, 2021.</ref> − − === CNN's promotion of fake news === − [[File:Ralph Northam (D-VA) in blackface.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Democrat shill [[Don Lemon]] (left); Democratic Governor Ralph Northam (in [[blackface]]) (right).]] − In first half of 2017, [[CNN]]'s market share relative to its competitors saw a marked decline.<ref>[http://www.dailywire.com/news/18088/death-spiral-along-its-credibility-cnn-ratings-john-nolte Death Spiral: Along With Its Credibility, CNN Ratings Collapse], Daily Wire, 2017.</ref> In addition, it faced repeated losses of its credibility through its lapses of journalistic judgment and ethical lapses.<ref> − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FpMb6dATfo CNN faces credibility crisis over Trump coverage] − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-X2jG5hdl4 Tucker: When did CNN become internet morality police?] − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOOYIa-sOB4 CNN IS FAKE NEWS] by Stefan Molyneux − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjkdfdFbeFk The news keeps getting worse for CNN as #CNNBlackmail trends] − *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCewpjd2Yfc CNN Threatens Reddit User For Exercising Free Speech | #CNNBlackmail] − </ref> President [[Donald Trump]] publicly says CNN produces "fake news" and he also told a CNN reporter that CNN produces "very fake news".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-7nkj26edA Trump to CNN: "Very Fake News"]</ref> Subsequently, CNN has been derided as being "FNN: Fake News Network".<ref>[https://insider.foxnews.com/2017/06/27/president-trump-blasts-cnn-retracted-russia-story-fake-news 'Fake News Network': Trump Blasts CNN for Retracted Russia Story], Fox News Network</ref> − − In May 2017, a CNN program claimed that [[Islam]] "has always been part of the American fabric" even as far back as the American Revolution, despite the apparent contradiction with the historical record.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (May 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/05/29/cnns-crusade-declare-islam-part-americas-founding/ CNN’s W. Kamau Bell: Islam Part of America’s Founding]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 29, 2017.</ref> − − On March 28, 2018, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo falsely claimed that "no one [is] calling for Second Amendment repeal", even though, former Supreme Court Justice [[John Paul Stevens]], among other left-wingers, had very recently and notably called for just that.<ref>Multiple references: − *Nolte, John (March 28, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2018/03/28/fake-news-cnns-cuomo-says-no-one-calling-for-2nd-amendment-repeal-they-are/ Fake News: CNN’s Cuomo Says ‘No One Calling for 2nd Amendment Repeal’ (They Are)]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 28, 2018. − *Kugle, Andrew (March 28, 2018). [https://freebeacon.com/issues/cnns-cuomo-no-one-calling-repeal-second-amendment/ CNN’s Cuomo: No One Is Calling for Repeal of Second Amendment]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved March 28, 2018. − *Adams, Becket (March 28, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/cnn-host-apparently-unaware-that-several-people-have-called-for-the-repeal-of-the-second-amendment CNN host apparently unaware that people have indeed called for the repeal of the Second Amendment]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved March 28, 2018.</ref> − − Sometime before January 6, 2017, [[DNI]] [[James Clapper]] briefed opposition research talking points, manufactured by the Clinton campaign in the ''[[Steele dossier]]'', to [[Jake Tapper]] of CNN. The salacious innuendo lacked verification and a " news hook" for CNN to report. Clapper instructed [[FBI]] Director [[James Comey]] to brief President-elect Trump on the allegations. Clapper immediately leaked the fact Trump had been briefed, creating the "news hook" CNN was looking for to publicize the existence of the ''Steele dossier''. FBI counter-intelligence investigator [[Peter Strzok]] then used the fake news report to justify interviewing [[National Security Advisor]] [[Michael Flynn]] and lay a perjury trap,<ref>https://saraacarter.com/who-will-investigate-the-fbi-and-doj-top-secret-leaks-to-the-media/?utm=pushnami</ref> thwarting the new president's [[foreign policy]] agenda. Clapper was rewarded with a job at CNN afterward.<ref>''[https://www.scribd.com/document/377590825/HPSCI-Final-Report-on-Russian-Active-Measures-Redacted-Release Russian Active Measures in the 2016 Election''], House Permanent Sub Committee on Intelligence, March 22, 2017, pp. 107-108.</ref><ref>[https://www.themarketswork.com/2018/04/27/clapper-leaks-twice-to-cnn-brennan-stands-in-the-shadows-a-russian-narrative-is-born/ Clapper Leaks Twice to CNN. Brennan Stands in the Shadows. A Russian Narrative is Born,] Jeff Carlson, April 27, 2018.</ref><ref>[https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2018/04/20/anatomy-of-a-political-smear-confirmed-james-comey-january-briefing-was-scripted-by-clapper-and-brennan-to-create-media-narrative/ Anatomy of a Political Smear Confirmed – James Comey January Briefing Was Scripted by Clapper and Brennan To Create Media Narrative], by Sundance, April 20, 2018. theconservativetreehouse.com</ref> − − In 2019, CNN falsely labeled liberal [[Democratic party|Democrat Virginia governor]] [[Ralph Northam]] a "Republican" when reporting a racist photo of himself while in medical school.<ref>Gualtieri, Allison Elyse (February 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/cnn-misidentifies-virginia-gov-ralph-northam-as-a-republican-during-his-apology-for-racist-yearbook-photo CNN misidentifies Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam as a Republican during his apology for racist yearbook photo]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved February 2, 2019.</ref><ref>Rodriguez, Katherine (February 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/02/01/watch-cnn-chyron-labels-virginia-gov-ralph-northam-a-republican/ WATCH: CNN Chyron Labels Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam a Republican]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 2, 2019.</ref> − − In 2020, CNN tweeted that "Google will not be publishing a national-scale website for coronavirus testing anytime soon, contrary to claims made by President Trump during a news conference",<ref>https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1238718028566671360</ref> before claiming just a day later on their website that "Google will partner with US government to develop a nationwide coronavirus website".<ref>https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/google-trump-coronavirus-site/index.html?utm_content=2020-03-14T06%3A46%3A06&utm_medium=social&utm_term=link&utm_source=twCNN</ref> − − [[File:Warren tweet.jpg|left|300px|thumb|[[Elizabeth Warren]] sent a fake news tweet claiming [[Mark Zuckerberg]] endorsed Donald Trump.]] − After Special Counsel [[Robert Mueller]] thoroughly debunked the [[Russiagate]] [[conspiracy theory]], CNN's [[Jim Sciutto]] attempted to resuscitate the discredited hoax alleging that the CIA had to extract a deep cover asset from Russia because of fear that President Trump would out the asset's identity to Vladimir Putin. The ''New York Times'', ''Washington Post'', and CIA were quick to refute the story. The extraction occurred because of [[John Brennan]] and [[Obama administration]] leaks in the early days of the Trump-Russia hoax that put in danger of exposure and the lives of CIA assets in Russia.<ref>https://www.redstate.com/streiff/2019/09/09/cnn-russian-spy-exfiltration-story-trips-bull-alarms-two-continents/</ref><ref>https://hotair.com/archives/ed-morrissey/2019/09/10/wapo-nyt-contra-cnn-trump-not-reason-cia-exfiltrated-asset-russia/</ref><ref>https://twitchy.com/samj-3930/2019/09/10/fusion-gps-hustle-timeline-of-who-met-who-and-when-in-buildup-of-cnns-latest-trump-russia-exclusive-is-all-so-damning/</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/themarketswork/status/1171072580901453825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/1171100680121176069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw</ref> − − In the Immanuel Christian School/Karen Pence [[hate crime hoax]], a 12-year-old girl claimed that three boys at Immanuel Christian School held her down and cut her dreadlocks while using the racially charged term "nappy." The wife of [[Vice President Mike Pence]], Karen Pence works at the school. CNN's [[Bakari Sellers]], NBC, CBS, CNN, ''[[The New York Times]]'', and [[The Washington Post]]'' all reported the incident nationwide and used the incident to attack Karen Pence.<ref>https://freebeacon.com/politics/hate-crime-media-used-to-attack-karen-pence-is-fake/</ref> The girl's family finally released a statement acknowledging the initial allegation was false. They apologized to all involved: "To those young boys and their parents, we sincerely apologize for the pain and anxiety these allegations have caused," they wrote. "To the administrators and families of Immanuel Christian School, we are sorry for the damage this incident has done to trust within the school family and the undue scorn it has brought to the school. To the broader community, who rallied in such passionate support for our daughter, we apologize for betraying your trust."<ref>https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/6th-Grade-Girl-Says-She-Lied-About-Boys-Cutting-Her-Dreadlocks-561784531.html</ref> − − Even before the Trump Presidency, CNN had also engaged in fake news as well. In particular, its coverage of humanitarian crises in Kosovo as well as locations such as Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, Macedonia, Bosnia, Ecuador, East Timor, Kuwait, Liberia, Albania, Congo, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Iraq was strongly implied by Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson of the Air Force to be the main reason why Bill Clinton had dispatched troops to those locations despite none of the mission parameters actually requiring direct American military aid, including the [[Kosovo War]] in the case of Kosovo.<ref>''Dereliction of Duty'' by Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson, USAF (Ret.), Chapter 6, CNN Diplomacy, page 112-128.</ref> − − ===Deep state and fake news=== − :{{See also|Media intelligence complex}} − The [[mainstream media]] has worked with the deep state intelligence agencies to promote fake news regarding the supposed [[Trump-Russia scandal]],<ref>Jasper, William F. (April 25, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/25863-deep-state-and-fake-news Deep State and Fake News]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> and the alleged Russian hacking of John Podesta and DNC emails. − − ===2018 bomb hoax=== − Just when things looked desperate for Democrats with unhinged mobs responding to the party's leadership, CNN reported it had received a mail bomb addressed to [[John Brennan]], who actually works for [[NBC]]. Nonetheless, CNN opened John Brennan's mail anyway, paused to take pictures of the alleged bomb resembling a Hollywood prop, before evacuating the building in a panic. Others received mailings as well. − − Republicans were quick to condemn political violence,<ref>https://youtu.be/KwSGYUDQSuY</ref> unlike Democrat leaders, who were encouraging it.<ref>https://m.imdb.com/title/tt9115480/</ref> President Trump vowed to use all the resources of the federal government to find who was responsible. − − As soon as CNN feed into the news cycle that the bombs were active, giving breaking news reports a life of their own, within hours the ''[[Associated Press]]'' reported, {{quotebox|"tests have determined that a powder found inside an envelope delivered to CNN along with a pipe bomb was harmless."<ref><big>7:50 p.m. − − A law enforcement official says tests have determined that a powder found inside an envelope delivered to CNN along with a pipe bomb was harmless. − − The official wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. − − New York City’s police commissioner said earlier Wednesday that the package sent to CNN’s offices in Manhattan contained a live explosive and an envelope containing white powder. − − The FBI said the package was similar to explosives sent to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder and billionaire [[George Soros]]. − − The package sent to CNN was addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent guest on the channel. The official says that parcel contained no note or claim of responsibility.</big><br>[https://www.apnews.com/5c93ac06309c4ce88e8 cd5023f89feca Tom Hays, ''Associated Press'', October 24, 2018].</ref>}} None of this stopped CNN and other mainstream sources from failing to clarify the facts, or whipping up anti-Trump hysteria. − − None of the bombs were active, and the alleged bomber didn't know how to build a bomb anyway. The alleged bombs lacked a detonator device, were made with PVC tubing instead of lead, and packed with a harmless powder.<ref>https://www.nationalreview.com/news/cnn-pipe-bomb-white-powder-harmless-law-enforcement-report/</ref> [[File:98% of straight men will not date trans women because of hate.jpeg|thumb|right|225px|A typical fake news poll.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdQZkG2dOkE</ref>]] − − ===Mangled statistics=== − A ''Washington Post'' article claimed that 4.2 percent of American children had witnessed a shooting<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/06/20/19-children-are-shot-every-day-in-the-united-states/ 19 kids are shot every day in the United States]</ref> (this is one in 24). This was based on a survey question which they (deliberately? negligently?) misinterpreted: − :The actual question the researchers asked was, "At any time in (your child’s/your) life, (was your child/were you) in any place in real life where (he/she/you) could see or hear people being shot, bombs going off, or street riots?"<ref>[https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/06/27/news-organizations-including-one-unintentionally-misinformed-public-guns How news organizations, including this one, unintentionally misinformed the public on guns]</ref> − So they mixed in "witnessed a shooting" with "heard a street riot", etc.
→Other examples of fake news
==Trump transition and presidency==
==Trump transition and presidency==
:{{See also|Trump transition}}
:{{See also|Trump transition}}
== Identifying fake news ==
== Identifying fake news ==