Examples of major mainstream fake news stories in the recent past are:
*that a high school student wearing a pro-[[Trump]] Make America Great Again hat at the [[March for Life]] somehow acted improperly when he stood smiling while a stranger persistently beat a drum in his face;<ref>http://wbsm.com/media-sells-soul-for-nathan-phillips-opinion/</ref>
*calling the "Washington's Birthday" holiday the made-up name "Presidents' Day," which it never was under federal law
*the deliberate manipulation of [[President Trump]]'s live [[Oval Office]] broadcast by a local [[Fox]] affiliate editor/technician;<ref>https://youtu.be/UZLs11uSg-A</ref>
*the uncorroborated, obscene sexual allegation published by ''[[The New Yorker]]'' as part of the [[Kavanaugh smear]];
*the panic reporting for several days prior to the [[2018 Midterm elections]] that a dozen fake bombs mailed to prominent [[Democrat]]s were real.;<ref>Officials had determined within two hours, and the ''[[Associated Press]]'' reported that the alleged bombs were fake, however days later most prominent mainstream sources continued to allege the packages contained real bombs.</ref>*the ''[[New York Times]]'' story that the investigation of President Trump began after [[James Comey]] was fired and not in the Spring of 2016.
Political fake news is designed to push an agenda, typically the [[liberal]] one. Non-political clickbait is designed to attract internet traffic, attention, or sales. Clickbait websites often lack known publishers hindering lawsuits against them for [[libel]] or [[slander]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/05/opinions/suing-fake-news-not-so-fast-callan/index.html|title=Sue over fake news? Not so fast|last=Callan|first=Paul|website=CNN|accessdate=April 6, 2017}}</ref> In many cases, clickbait websites resolve to [[IP address]]es located outside the United States.
==History==
"News articles" that are completely fictional have a long history. The motivation is often for the amusement of the author, or the desire to make money by selling the newspaper or handbill based on its entertainment value. Such "news articles" are sometimes purely satirical (something that has a long history), or intentionally malicious, often for political reasons. For example, malicious claims about Presidential candidates (illegitimate children, etc.) have a long history in the United States.The falsehoods have sufficient emotional impact to assure that they will be magnified in various [[Media|mediums]]. It is debated whether or not this includes [[Satire|satiric]] news.<ref>"Tall Tale or Satire? Authors of So-Called "Fake News" Feel Misjudged". ''NBC News''. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tall-tale-or-satire-authors-so-called-fake-news-feel-n689421</ref><ref>''Fake News Watch''. http://fakenewswatch.com/</ref>
[[Walter Lippmann]], the father of modern journalism also a prominent [[socialist]], indicated that the press is supposed to utilize fake news to spin a narrative and thus manufacture public consent, claiming that news and truth are not the same thing, that it requires no real training to deal with the small pool, and that everything else is in the journalist's own discretion, which includes even promoting stereotypes.<ref>http://progressingamerica.blogspot.com/2012/02/journalism-and-manufacturing-of-consent.html</ref><ref>http://progressingamerica.blogspot.com/2013/03/walter-lippmann-explains-how.html</ref><ref>http://progressingamerica.blogspot.com/2017/01/who-is-founding-father-of-fake-news.html</ref>
The explosive growth of the internet in the early years of the 21<sup>st</sup> century, and the political divisiveness of the 2016 Presidential election, saw an explosive growth in fake news, far beyond supermarket tabloids, and the use of the term "fake news" to describe this.
#The fake claim that President [[George H. W. Bush]] did not know what a grocery scanner was, implying that he was out of touch.<ref>[https://www.mrc.org/articles/great-george-bush-sr-grocery-scanner-urban-legend-lives The Great George Bush Sr. "Grocery Scanner" Urban Legend Lives On]. ''Media Research Center''. Retrieved December 5, 2018.</ref>
==Modern origins=Internet age===
Cybersecurity experts began using the term "fake news" to describe social media postings that attempted to spread false information regardless of the political ramifications of its content.
The widespread public use of the phrase by non-experts probably originated on November 14, 2016 in an announcement by [[Google]]. They said their advertising service was being pulled from sites whose purpose was to present as news what was solely designed to attract attention rather than conducted in a factual manner by a responsible party.<ref>Nicas, Jack (November 14, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-to-bar-fake-news-websites-from-using-its-ad-selling-software-1479164646 "Google to bar fake-news websites from using its ad-selling software"]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref> Fake news is also a form of "click bait". A photo would appear in an ad implying that there was a news story about the death of a celebrity, and computer users would click on the link to be taken to a website that carried heavy advertising, but no news story about the death of the living celebrity.
Fake news is presented in a manner to create the impression that it is actual news. While the actual term "fake news" is quite recent, the concept has been around for hundreds of years. Both the historical instances and the modern instances are often driven by a desire to make money, whether from purchase of "supermarket tabloids" or from often-deceptive clicks on websites. The falsehoods have sufficient emotional impact to assure that they will be magnified in various [[Media|mediums]]. It is debated whether or not this includes [[Satire|satiric]] news.<ref>"Tall Tale or Satire? Authors of So-Called "Fake News" Feel Misjudged". ''NBC News''. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tall-tale-or-satire-authors-so-called-fake-news-feel-n689421</ref><ref>''Fake News Watch''. http://fakenewswatch.com/</ref>
[[Barack Hussein Obama]] was a firm believer in projecting what was news and what was fake news. He would famously deride publicly against the reporting of "[[Fox News]], [[Rush Limbaugh]] and talk radio." [[Bill Clinton]] engaged in similar behavior during an interview with [[Chris Wallace]] shortly after the airing of the edited version of The Path to 9/11.
== Identifying fake news ==
A '''wrap up smear''',<ref>https://youtu.be/SMJdDwQlcc8</ref> also known as a '''circular reporting''' or an '''echo chamber''', occurs when [[partisan]] sources [[leak]] false information to journalists then use those same published accounts to validate their claims.
Two Several instances in recent memory illustrate the technique: during the [[Trump-Russia collusion hoax]] and the [[Kavanaugh smear]]. In Trump-Russia, a false allegation that Trump colluded with Russia was [[leak]]ed by Democratic operatives to get news organizations to publicize the claim, then biased [[Obama administration]] employees used those news stories as supposed evidence to obtain FBI [[surveillance]] warrants on the Trump campaign.
CNN, the ''Washington Post'', the ''New York Times'' and numerous other organizations reported fabricated information by anonymous sources throughout 2016, 2017, and 2018. The published reports became the basis of the [[Trump-Russia conspiracy hoax]] and [[FISA abuse]] scandal. When mainstream media published the false information, the Obama FBI, Justice Department, CIA and [[DNI]] used the fake news (originating with themselves) as supposed corroboration from "independent journalists" to begin investigations, interviews, perjury traps, seek warrants, perform [[Gang of Eight]] briefings, and appoint a [[Mueller office|Special Prosecutor]] to pursue political objectives.
*[[Michael Sussmann]] who worked with the general counsel of the Clinton campaign and the DNC gave fake evidence to the FBI and ''New York Times'' that a webserver in Trump Tower was communicating with a Russian bank. The smears were found to be without foundation.<ref>https://themarketswork.com/2019/01/21/baker-testimony-reveals-perkins-coie-lawyer-provided-fbi-with-information-on-alfa-bank-allegations/</ref>
*[[Christopher Steele]] who worked for Hillary Clinton gave false evidence to the FBI and numerous mainstream media outlets that [[Carter Page]] was a Russian spy, when in fact Page was a former FBI informant who helped jail Russian spies.
*Steele gave bogus sexual innuendo about Trump to the FBI; [[DNI]] [[ James Clapper]] leaked to CNN than that Trump had been briefed on the information, thus creating a "Breaking News" story.<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/</ref>
In the Kavanaugh smear, false sexual abuse allegations were leaked by Senate Democrat committee staffers to produce sensationalized headlines and martial public pressure in an emotional cause.
Sen. [[Dianne Feinstein]] or a staffer leaked a letter from Dr. [[Christine Blasey Ford]] to the ''Washington Post'' alleging notes from a therapist and a polygraph exam were material evidence of a sexual assault, sparking a hue and cry on the [[Left]] for extended nomination hearings and FBI investigation of [[Judge Kavanaugh]]. The alleged "material evidence" was never provided to the FBI or Senate Judiciary Committee for examination and consideration, and the accuser caught in a series of conflicting sworn public statements.
===Willing participants Participants in the Russia collusion smearhoax===
These mainstream news organizations in one capacity or other were willing participants in the [[Trump-Russia collusion hoax]]. The plan to exonerate Hillary Clinton of criminal charges, sabotage Donald Trump's election chances, and later his presidency, originated with corrupt elements of the Obama administration in collusion with the Democratic party. Allies opposed to Trump's demand that [[NATO]] members give more to fund the alliance, and Russian sources feeding Democrats false information also contributed.
These uncorroborated allegations violated every tenet of traditional, respectable [[journalism]]. None of it would have been possible without the help of several global media organizations willingly publicizing the false narrative of Trump collusion with the Russian government.<ref>https://themarketswork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/inforgraphic-838x1024.jpg</ref>Willing participants were:[[CNN]], ''[[The New Yorker]]'', ''[[The New York Times]]'', ''[[The Washington Post]]'', [[BBC]], [[NBC]], [[BuzzFeed]], ''[[The Guardian]]'', ''[[Huffington Post]]'', ''[[Newsweek]]'', [[MSNBC]], ''[[Politico]]'', [[ABC]], ''[[Vanity Fair]]'', ''[[Slate]]'', ''[[McClatchy]]'', [[Yahoo News]] and ''[[Mother Jones]]''.
*CNN===Participants in the Kavanaugh smear===*[[NBC News]], ''[[The New Yorker]]''*''The New York Times''*, ''[[The Washington Post]]''*BBC*NBC*BuzzFeed*''The Guardian''*''Huffington Post''*''Newsweek''*MSNBC*''Politico''*, [[Stephen Colbert]], [[ABC*''Vanity Fair''*''Slate''*''McClatchy''*Yahoo News*''Mother Jones'']], [[CBS News]], [[USA Today]].
==Examples of fake news=Participants in the Covington Catholic kids smear===While many examples of fake news appeared during Donald Trump:{{Main article|Covington Catholic kids}}''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/ [The Washington Post]]'Fake news' a real problem long before Trump era, media watchdogs say]. ''[[The Washington New York Times]]''. Retrieved December 31, 2018.</ref> One of the more infamous examples of fake news was when former CBS News anchor ''[[Dan RatherCable News Network]] used forgeries of the Killian Documents on George W. Bush's service record in order to sway the 2004 election' (CNN), which resulted in his firing after being exposed. See ''[[RathergateThe Guardian]] 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.Public Radio]]Obama National Security Advisor '', [[Susan RiceTMZ]] appeared on the five major network Sunday talk shows to put out an official fake news narrative that a , [[terroristAtlantic Media]] 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 are 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=http://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> One possible example of fake news was the announcement by the [[mainstream mediaCapitol Hill Publishing]] that , [[Fidel CastroAnn Cabrera]] died at age 90 on November 25(CNN), 2016.<ref>https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/26/americas/fidel-castro-obit/</ref> In fact, the [[Obama AdministrationSara Sidner]] and major news outlets were likely aware that Castro had died of a terminal illness many years earlier. Indeed(CNN), [[ObamaErin Burnett]] 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 mis-reporting 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[[S. No "shocking punishment" was involved and the case will go to trial on the meritsE.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.snopes.com/cnn-fake-news/|title=Did a Judge Rule That Cupp]] (CNN Is 'Fake News'?|date=Feb 17), 2017|accessdate=April 5, 2017|work=Snopes}}</ref> A poorly-sourced February 4 ''Washington Post'' article claimed a feud existed between DHS Secretary [[John FElliot C. KellyMcLaughlin]] and (CNN), [[Steve BannonAmanda Watts]], when in fact, none existed. The article's author was forced to admit his error.<ref>Hayward, John (February 8, 2017CNN). [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 PressEmmanuella Grinberg]] reported, and later corrected(CNN), a story that EPA Administrator [[Scott PruittMichelle Boorstein]] met with Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris – something which did not actually happen.<ref>Boyle, Matthew (June 30''Washington Post''), 2017). [https://www[Cleve R.breitbartWootson Jr.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 NewsWashington Post''. Retrieved July 1, 2017.</ref> In November 2017), [[Antonio Olivo]] (''The Washington Post'' claimed that the conservative ), [[Breitbart NewsJoe Heim]] created the nickname "Mr. Perfect" when referring to (''Washington Post''), [[Jared KushnerMichael E. Miller]], 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 NewsWashington Post''. Retrieved November 27, 2017.</ref> Also in November 2017), [[MSNBCEli Rosenberg]]('s 'Washington Post'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[Isaac Stanley-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 LiveBecker]. ] (''Breitbart NewsWashington Post''. Retrieved November 27), 2017.</ref> In April 2018, the Associated Press and [[Kristine Philips]] (''The Washington Post'' falsely claimed that the NRA decided to ban concealed carry at an upcoming speech by Vice President ), [[Mike PenceSarah Mervosh]] 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 NewsWashington Post''. Retrieved April 30), 2018.*Adelmann, Bob (May 1, 2018). [https://www[Emily S.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!Roeb] ] (''The New AmericanYork Times''. 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[Maggie Haberman]. ] (''The Washington New York 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[David Brooks]]. (''The HillNew York Times''. Retrieved April 30, 2018.</ref> === CNN and fake news === In first half of 2017), [[CNNShannon Doyne]]'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 CollapseKurt Eichenwald]], 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?Andrea Mitchell]*[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 | #CNNBlackmailNBC]]</ref> President [[Donald TrumpMSNBC]] 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>[http://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 [[IslamSavannah Guthrie]] "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, 2017NBC). [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 StevensJoy Reid]], among other left-wingers, had very recently and notably called for just that.<ref>Multiple references:*Nolte, John (March 28MSNBC), 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)[Chuck Todd]]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 28, 2018.*Kugle, Andrew (March 28, 2018NBC). [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[Noah Berlatsky]]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved March 28, 2018.</ref> Sometime before January 6, 2017, [[DNIElisha Fieldstadt]] (NBC), [[James ClapperEun Kyung Kim]] briefed opposition research talking points, manufactured by the Clinton campaign in the ''[[Steele dossierHBO]]'', to [[Jake TapperBill Maher]] of CNN. The salacious innuendo lacked verification and a " news hook" for CNN to report. Clapper instructed , [[FBIWarner Media]] Director , [[James ComeyCondé Nast]] 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 StrzokGQ]] then used the fake news report to justify interviewing '', [[National Security AdvisorHeavy.com]] , [[Michael FlynnThe Hill]] 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 policyThe Atlantic]] 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.themarketsworkBustle.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[Kathy Griffin]], by Sundance, April 20, 2018. theconservativetreehouse.com</ref> ===Deep state and fake news===:{{See also|Media intelligence complex}}The [[mainstream mediaAlyssa Milano]] has worked with the deep state intelligence agencies to promote fake news regarding the supposed and [[Trump-Russia scandalJim Carrey]], .<ref>Jasper, William F. (April 25, 2017). [https://www.thenewamericandailywire.com/usnews/politicsnews/item42988/25863nick-deepsandmanns-statelawyer-andsends-fakeletters-news Deep State and Fake News]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.these-54-ryan-saavedra?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=benshapiro</ref> and the alleged Russian hacking of John Podesta and DNC emails.
===President Trump and "fake news"===
:{{main|Mainstream media and Donald Trump}}
====2016 election and aftermath====
It has been confirmed that many fake news sites were actually created and managed by liberal Democrats ("false flag" operations) who support [[Hillary Clinton]] and oppose [[Donald Trump]] who engage in their [[Deceit|deception]] in an attempt to discredit conservatives and Trump.<ref name="NPR"/><ref>Dewey, Caitlin (November 17, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/11/17/facebook-fake-news-writer-i-think-donald-trump-is-in-the-white-house-because-of-me/?utm_term=.b3656316a9a1 Facebook fake-news writer: ‘I think Donald Trump is in the White House because of me’]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.</ref> One of them, Jestin Coler, a Democrat and Clinton supporter who owns the company Disinfomedia, runs several fake news sites that create "conservative" fake news stories.<ref name="NPR">Sydell, Laura (November 23, 2016). "[http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/11/23/503146770/npr-finds-the-head-of-a-covert-fake-news-operation-in-the-suburbs We Tracked Down A Fake-News Creator In The Suburbs. Here's What We Learned]." ''NPR''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.</ref>
Following the 2016 election in which Trump won, [[liberals]], the [[mainstream media]], and [[social media]] had misapplied the term "fake news" to make the false accusation that [[Alternative Media|alternative news]] and Russian sources are "deliberately lying" to their readers, listeners, and viewers, and that these "lies" helped elect [[Donald Trump]] [[President of the United States]]. The liberal-pushed "fake news" accusations are a form of [[conspiracy theory]]. However, the [[mainstream media]] itself publishes and promotes fake news stories,<ref>Heinlein, Peter (May 30, 2017). [https://www.voanews.com/a/donald-trump-frustrated-fake-news-overlooks-accomplishments/3878266.html Trump Frustrated by 'Fake News' That Overlooks His Accomplishments]. ''Voice of America''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref> from appearing in its nightly network newscasts, on its cable news channels, in its newspapers and on its websites (including Facebook). The MSM has allegedly been adopting safeguards to prevent itself from reporting fake news stories,<ref name="Tech Crunch"/><ref name="Barron"/> but it has been unsuccessful based on more recent examples.
====Russia hacked the DNC====
No evidence has ever been presented the Russians, Russian entities, or the Russian government ever hacked, or attempted to hack, the servers of the [[Democratic National Committee]]. Russians did however make failed efforts to hack into the voter rolls of state election boards, notably those maintained by [[Georgia]] Secretary of State [[Brian Kemp]]. The Obama White House however, at the direction of [[Susan Rice]] and others, conflated the issue of Russian attempted hacking of state election boards with the release of DNC emails by [[WikiLeaks]].
The only known evidence that exists points to an inside leaker, who downloaded the DNC emails on a flash drive and likely forwarded them to WikiLeaks.
====Presidency====
At his first press conference as president-elect, [[Donald Trump]] described [[CNN]] as "fake news." Since becoming president, Trump has accused major news organizations with "fake news" and "very fake news." On February 17, 2017, Trump tweeted:<ref>Greenwood, Mark (February 17, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/320168-trump-the-media-is-the-enemy-of-the-american-people Trump tweets: The media is the 'enemy of the American people']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 27, 2017.</ref>
When President Trump criticized liberal environmental idiocy and forest management for failure to clean up fallen dead wood which provided the fuel for deadly California wildfires,<ref>https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/editorials/article216320500.html</ref> mainstream fake news organizations reported it as if the President was criticizing firefighters.<ref>https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/11/11/politics/california-wildfires-trump-tweets/index.html</ref> CNN reported the bald face lies that the President had "attacked firefighters" and was "threatening to withhold aid to the victims."
====Russia investigation and James Comey hearing====
[[File:DgKWrfIVMAANg8k.jpeg|right|300px|thumb]]
Former FBI Director [[James Comey]], during his testimony to Congress, debunked two fake news stories on ''The New York Times''<ref>Scarborough, Rowan (June 8, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/8/james-comey-debunks-new-york-times-story-fueled-un/ James Comey debunks New York Times story that fueled unproven Trump-Russia collusion]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> and CNN,<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (June 7, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/06/07/james-comey-testimony-proves-trump-right-cnn-wrong/ James Comey Testimony Proves Trump Right, CNN Wrong]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> respectively.
*Nolte, John (September 14, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2018/09/14/new-york-times-spreads-fake-news-about-nikki-haleys-52701-curtains/ New York Times Spreads Fake News About Nikki Haley’s $52,701 Curtains]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 18, 2018.</ref>
==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 Midterms). [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 are 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=http://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> 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 mis-reporting 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 ''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> === CNN and 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>[http://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> ===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 evacuting the building in a panic. Others recieved 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.
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/5c93ac06309c4ce88e8cd5023f89feca 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>
===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/?utm_term=.0a9e83f8c5a9 19 kids are shot every day in the United States]</ref> (this in 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>