PolitiFact

For the first time since 2009, PolitiFact is recalibrating the Lie of the Year — our award for the most egregious falsehood we've seen in a year's worth of fact-checking. This year, we want to focus less on the offenders who perpetuate the falsehoods, and more on those who are hurt by them. So “congratulations” 2025. PolitiFact names you Year of the Lies. 🧵 buff.ly/0xMtlSp

Editor-in-Chief Katie Sanders reflects on an information ecosystem mired in doubt. Read more: politifact.com/article/2026/a…

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Cubans the island’s 22-hour blackouts aren’t because of the U.S. oil blockade. The Cuban government's mismanagement is a key factor, but the blockade has worsened the problem. buff.ly/LjHJDgD

In the Ohio governor’s race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy blamed Democrat Amy Acton, the former state health department director, for delaying the March 2020 primary election during the pandemic. Gov. Mike DeWine said it was his decision. buff.ly/JkCdbVH

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is correct that Florida is the only state removing children from its low-cost health insurance program because parents missed payments. The state is challenging a rule that requires keeping kids insured. buff.ly/tUBBUPs

There is no evidence travel influencer Jake Rosmarin is a “crisis actor.” He's been posting on social media about his trips since at least 2022. Social media users claim a photo shows him acting as a “COVID-19 patient,” but that’s wrong. buff.ly/4kn47xM

A video circulating on X appears to show Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., saying that insider trading should be allowed for Congress members. That video was altered from a real interview, during which he made no such comments. buff.ly/LuLaCK1

President Donald Trump said he’s not motivated “even a little bit” by Americans’ financial situations when negotiating with Iran. How are Americans faring economically? We analyzed key data points. buff.ly/9G48Fe2

The WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in Africa a “public health emergency of international concern.” Here's what to know about the viral strain, how U.S. funding cuts may affect the response and some of the misinformation already spreading. buff.ly/ZGAu7vP

Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial Everglades detention center, could soon shut down. We fact-checked statements from federal and state officials about the facility. buff.ly/Js4gnZb

At a religious event on the National Mall for the nation’s 250th anniversary, House Speaker Mike Johnson invoked two phrases: “In God We Trust” and “Under God.” Both phrases became official more recently than the nation’s founding, in the 1950s. buff.ly/Ykujx0l

Tulsi Gabbard announced May 22 that she is resigning as the Director of National Intelligence at the end of June. Gabbard said in a letter to President Donald Trump that her husband had recently been diagnosed with cancer and she would be stepping away to support him. Gabbard was elected in 2012 to represent Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, becoming the first Samoan-American and first Hindu member of Congress. She was reelected in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2019. She switched to the Republican Party in 2024. President Donald Trump in November 2024 nominated her to be national intelligence director; she was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. PolitiFact has fact-checked Gabbard nine times since 2019. Here’s how she has been rated on our Truth-O-Meter. buff.ly/gIPnelI

Social media claims that Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez, the teen suspects in the San Diego mosque shooting that killed three people, were a transgender couple are not rooted in evidence. buff.ly/mUUYOpL

President Donald Trump and the Justice Department say a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund is nothing new or unusual. But a 2011 settlement fund the Justice Department highlighted differs from the new one in at least four key ways. buff.ly/k3U7e4l

US officials announced charges against Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old brother of the late-Fidel Castro, for his involvement in a 1996 aircraft attack that killed four men, including three Americans. Here’s what it could mean. buff.ly/GJ6uRFU

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., says New York households face a $4,200 tariff hit. But that estimate is based on previous, higher tariff levels. buff.ly/Ky5Y4D2

A Justice Department document blocks audits of President Trump’s past tax filings ‘forever.’ Yes, it’s unprecedented. No, it’s not easily reversed. buff.ly/QxmKbhv

After the indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, President Donald Trump’s supporters compared his approach to Cuba with a photo of former President Barack Obama at a baseball game with Castro. Here’s how the presidents’Cuba policies differ. buff.ly/OPd7e19

As ACA enrollment drops, higher insurance rates may follow buff.ly/tEvX5OP

Studies link regular exposure to secondhand aerosols from e-cigarettes and vape pens to health problems. More research is needed, experts say. buff.ly/VpD8fyp

Initially, President Donald Trump’s prescription drug website, TrumpRx offered discounts primarily on brand name prescription medications. On May 18, Trump said it will soon have 600+ generics, which are interchangeable with brand name drugs, but often cheaper. buff.ly/WVB1x8s