United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2007
Ownership
PolitiFact was launched in 2007 by the Tampa Bay Times (then the St. Petersburg Times). Since February 2018 it has been owned and operated by the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a nonprofit journalism school in St. Petersburg, Florida, which acquired it outright and gave it nonprofit status. Poynter itself was founded by newspaper publisher Nelson Poynter and controls the fact-checking brand directly.
Funding
As a nonprofit operation, PolitiFact is financed through grants, foundation support and individual donations rather than a single owner's budget. Disclosed funders have included the Democracy Fund, the Craig Newmark Foundation and a range of foundations and tech-company programs that support Poynter (including Google, Meta and the Knight Foundation).
Affiliation & stance
PolitiFact has no party, government or church ties; it is a privately governed nonprofit fact-checking project run by an independent journalism institute. Its editorial decisions are made by its own newsroom and it is a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network code of principles, which is why it is classified INDEPENDENT. Its lean is best described as CENTER.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 49
85/100
Factual
77/100
Objective
63
Articles
63
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
'The View' co-host Joy Behar says Americans 'should all be' embarrassed by U.S.
Graham Platner - Yes, Collins usually votes with Trump, as Platner said. But she broke with him at key moments.
B-52 bomber crash kills 8 at Edwards Air Force base in California, military officials confirm
Mike Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, setting up major clash with Jon Ossoff
China's AI advances collide with U.S. safety debate
Susan Collins - Susan Collins says the SCOTUS abortion ruling didn't impact Maine. What do the facts show?
The Best Way To Keep Data Centers From Driving Up Electricity Costs
California is still counting votes from June 2. Is distrust in elections the result?
Recent coverage
Born in the U.S.A.: Protecting the right of birthright citizenship
The article discusses the legal concept of birthright citizenship in the United States, as outlined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. It states that anyone born in the U.S., except for children of diplomats or invading forces, is automatically a citizen. Professor Amanda Frost explains that the wording of the amendment leaves little room for interpretation. However, public opinion remains split, with roughly half of Americans supporting granting citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and the other half opposing it. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to exclude most children of undocumented immigrants from automatic citizenship, but this was blocked by a lower court and is currently under review by the Supreme Court. The article references historical cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, where the Supreme Court ruled that Black individuals could not be citizens, leading to the creation of the 14th Amendment. Another landmark case, Wong Kim Ark v. United States, affirmed birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S., including children of immigrants.
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on Friday in Washington, mediated by the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic breakthrough. The agreement aims to end Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon and restore Lebanon's territorial integrity, though implementation remains uncertain due to Hezbollah's continued influence. The framework includes immediate steps like pilot projects where Israeli forces will withdraw from specific areas and Lebanese troops will deploy, with U.S. involvement to ensure these zones are free of Hezbollah. A senior Israeli official emphasized maintaining security until Hezbollah is disarmed, while a Hezbollah-affiliated leader criticized the agreement, warning of potential civil conflict. The agreement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel conducting targeted strikes against perceived threats. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, praised the agreement as a step toward peace, promising $100 million in aid for Lebanon.
Lead Iran negotiator tells allies Tehran will go to war again if U.S. does not fulfill commitments
Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned allies China and Belarus that Iran would consider resuming hostilities if the U.S. fails to uphold commitments outlined in a recent memorandum of understanding. This statement came during meetings in Tehran with delegations from China and Belarus, who were present for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's expectation of non-interference by the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route previously disrupted by conflict. He also discussed strengthening economic ties with China, highlighting its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil and a potential strategic ally. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated after an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to reciprocal military actions before both sides agreed to de-escalate and hold indirect talks in Doha.
Team Trump squares up to rip Red and Blue critics of Iran peace deal
The Trump administration faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress over a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and advancing broader negotiations. Critics argue the deal represents a significant concession to Iran, including provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and funding for Iran's reconstruction, which they compare unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Barack Obama. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called the MOU 'the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,' while Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused the administration of betraying Israel. Democratic senators such as Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have also criticized the deal, with Warren comparing it to the Obama-era agreement and Markey demanding congressional rejection. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has been vocal in opposing the deal, describing it as 'the art of surrender.' The 2015 law requiring congressional review of agreements involving Iran's nuclear program may provide a legislative avenue for challenging the MOU.
Tommy Tuberville - Is the bipartisan housing bill for “a lot of people that are here illegally”?
The article examines claims by Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., that the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act benefits undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The bill, which passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, aims to increase affordable housing supply and reduce costs. However, the legislation does not explicitly provide benefits to undocumented individuals, nor does it alter eligibility criteria for federal housing assistance. Experts note that while undocumented immigrants could potentially benefit from increased housing supply, they are already ineligible for most HUD programs. Tuberville opposed the bill, arguing it would primarily aid undocumented populations, while fellow Alabama Senator Katie Britt disputed his claim, stating the legislation provides no funding for undocumented immigrants. The article highlights the controversy surrounding the bill's impact on immigration issues and the broader debate over housing affordability.
I Am A Woman Who Had To Compete Against A Man And It’s Anything But Fair Play
The article discusses the impact of Title IX on women's sports and raises concerns about the fairness of allowing biological males to compete in women's athletic categories. The author, a former Division I track and field athlete, describes her dedication to training and competing at a high level, only to face the challenge of competing against a biological male athlete who had previously competed in the men's category. She highlights the physiological differences between males and females, noting that males can run approximately 11% faster and accelerate 20% faster than females. These differences, she argues, were acknowledged when Title IX established separate athletic categories. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining these distinctions to preserve opportunities for female athletes, such as scholarships, championships, and record-breaking achievements. It also references upcoming Supreme Court cases, Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J., which could determine the future of women's sports. The author criticizes the argument that allowing biological males into women's competitions is an act of inclusion, arguing that it undermines the fairness and protections,
Abdul El-Sayed - Senate candidate Mike Rogers didn’t make millions as pharma lobbyist, despite Abdul El-Sayed’s claim
PolitiFact investigated claims made by Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed that Republican candidate Mike Rogers received $14 million as a pharmaceutical lobbyist. Federal and Michigan records show no evidence that Rogers was ever a registered lobbyist for pharmaceutical companies or worked in the industry after leaving Congress. While Rogers did consult for technology firms post-Congress, there is no documentation of a $14 million payout linked to pharmaceutical lobbying. Rogers' campaign sent El-Sayed a cease-and-desist letter over these allegations, calling them defamatory. El-Sayed later retracted the specific claim in a social media video, though his broader criticism of Rogers' ties to Big Pharma remains.
A patient got the weight loss medication retatrutide before FDA approval. How does that work?
Retatrutide, a weekly injectable drug developed by Eli Lilly, is undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials for potential treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, knee osteoarthritis pain, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic low back pain, and liver disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the drug. However, an unidentified 79-year-old individual received early access to retatrutide through a process known as 'compassionate use,' which allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access unapproved drugs when no other options are available. This case drew attention due to speculation about whether the recipient was former President Donald Trump, though White House spokesperson Kush Desai denied this. Retatrutide functions similarly to other weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound by targeting hormone receptors, including those for GLP-1 and glucagon, which help regulate appetite and metabolism. Early trial data suggests retatrutide may result in greater weight loss compared to similar drugs.
From Johnny Appleseed to Claudette Colvin: 5 surprisingly true American history facts
The article presents five surprising yet true historical facts about American history. It begins by debunking common myths like George Washington chopping down a cherry tree or Betsy Ross sewing the first flag, then highlights lesser-known truths. One fact discusses Johnny Appleseed, revealing he was not just a selfless pioneer but also a shrewd businessman who sold apple trees to settlers. Historical records show he was devoutly religious, influenced by Emanuel Swedenborg, and wore a tin pot on his head—a detail added posthumously. Another fact explains the origin of the teddy bear, named after President Theodore Roosevelt who refused to hunt a tied-up bear during a 1902 outing, leading to the creation of the toy.
‘Let facts be submitted to a candid world’: Thoughts on journalism, fact-checking and the US at 250
This article reflects on the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence, focusing on Thomas Jefferson's drafting process during the summer of 1776 in Philadelphia. It highlights the challenging conditions Jefferson faced while working on the document, including the oppressive heat and the presence of Robert Hemings, an enslaved teenager who assisted him. The piece draws parallels between the ideals expressed in the Declaration—such as liberty and equality—and contemporary issues related to journalism and fact-checking. It also notes the 250th anniversary of American independence and connects it to modern efforts in verifying information and maintaining journalistic integrity.
Arkansas to ban using SNAP for candy, soda despite recent court ruling
Arkansas plans to implement a ban starting Wednesday that prevents recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, from using their benefits to purchase candy and soda. This move comes despite a recent federal court ruling that blocked similar restrictions in other states as violating federal law. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders argued the policy aims to address rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease by limiting access to unhealthy items. She highlighted the contrast between SNAP usage for sugary drinks and Medicaid costs for treating related illnesses. The policy is based on research suggesting such restrictions might lower obesity and diabetes rates, although broader scientific consensus remains divided. Arkansas is among 23 states granted waivers to impose these limits, with support from federal health officials. A federal judge previously invalidated similar initiatives in five other states, citing procedural violations by the USDA.
Ohio’s GOP governor said it’s ‘absurd’ to call Haiti safe, experts agree
Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine criticized the Trump administration's claim that Haiti is safe for returning residents, calling it 'absurd.' This follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, allowing potential deportations. The decision impacts over 300,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. Despite this, Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and White House adviser Stephen Miller, argued that Haitians can safely return home, dismissing the State Department's Level 4 travel warning, which cites widespread violence, gangs, and terrorism. DeWine, who has supported Haitian communities in Ohio, challenged these claims, emphasizing ongoing safety concerns. Experts note Haiti faces severe humanitarian and security crises, with extreme gang violence, political instability, and lack of basic services affecting millions.
Fact-checking 5 videos that falsely depict scenes from Venezuela’s earthquakes
PolitiFact is fact-checking five videos that falsely depict scenes from Venezuela’s earthquakes. The article states that while some videos are genuine, others have been taken out of context or are from different events. One video showing a white building collapsing was identified as part of a 2023 demolition in Turkey, not related to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Another video depicting a mother shielding her child was found to be from 2025 and not from the current disaster. Additionally, a video of an orange building collapsing was traced back to a 2023 earthquake in Turkey. These misleading posts have been widely shared on platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, often accompanied by false claims about the extent of the damage in Venezuela.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.