The month earlier than a presidential election generally delivers an “October shock” — probably game-changing information that breaks within the dwindling days earlier than voters solid their ballots.
As of Oct. 22, the label had been utilized to a number of tales, together with a decide’s order unsealing proof in a case in opposition to former President Donald Trump and through the current — and since resolved — dockworkers strike.
On Fb, it lately was used to explain a declare that former first girl Melania Trump was separating from her husband.
“Breaking information,” an Oct. 14 submit mentioned. “October shock. Melania Trump declares that she desires a divorce.”
However anybody accustomed to how misinformation spreads on social media shouldn’t be shocked that this declare is unfounded and, the Trump marketing campaign mentioned, “completely false.”
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“Do you individuals not know how you can do your personal analysis,” Donald Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, mentioned in a press release responding to PolitiFact’s questions in regards to the submit. “She’s been on a broadly publicized guide tour praising her husband.”
Melania Trump gave her first interviews in additional than two years when she appeared on Fox Information in September and October to debate her new memoir “Melania,” launched Oct. 8. She praised her husband in each appearances.
We discovered no proof, akin to information experiences, courtroom filings or public statements, to assist the declare that she mentioned she desires a divorce.
We charge that declare Pants on Fireplace!