#67 How to Fact-Check in a Disinformation War

Skill Level: 🟠 Intermediate

🧠 What Is It?

Fact-checking is the art of calling bullshit with receipts. In a political landscape flooded with lies—from deepfake videos to “alternative facts”—you need tools to verify what’s real, what’s twisted, and what’s completely fabricated. This guide will teach you how to check claims like a journalist, track sources like a spy, and debunk nonsense like a snarky cat with a grudge.

⚠️ Why It Matters

Disinformation isn’t just annoying—it’s deadly. Trump’s regime has weaponized lies to justify genocide budgets, eliminate civil rights, and whip mobs into action. Algorithms are rigged, the courts are packed, and the media landscape is fragmented. In this hellscape, truth is resistance. Every time you correct a falsehood, you weaken fascism’s grip on reality.

🐾 Real-World Example

In July 2025, Trump’s team claimed that FEMA was “fully funded and responding” to the Texas flood crisis. Independent reporters revealed the truth: FEMA staff were slashed, funding was redirected to border detention, and locals were begging for water. That correction changed the narrative—mutual aid funds spiked, lawsuits were filed, and even red-state governors demanded answers.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pause Before Sharing
Got a juicy headline? Pause. Don’t become a disinfo repeater. Check the date, URL, and whether it came from “patriot_eagle1337.ru.”

Step 2: Find the Original Source
Dig into the article. Who published it? Is it citing a real press release, court doc, or video? If it only links to other clickbait, it’s probably garbage.

Step 3: Use a Reputable Fact-Checker
Check sites like:

• Snopes
• FactCheck.org
• PolitiFact
• Lead Stories
  They catalog political lies, social media hoaxes, and doctored media.

Step 4: Reverse Image Search
Use TinEye or Google Reverse Image Search to see if a photo is old, stolen, or edited. Great for calling out “look what Biden did!” scams.

Step 5: Cross-Verify with Primary Sources
When in doubt, go to the source. Look up the actual law, bill, court decision, or executive order. Congressional websites and PACER (for court records) are your friends.

Step 6: Screenshot and Archive Lies
Use tools like archive.today to save evidence before it’s deleted. Take screenshots of tweets, headlines, and videos with timestamps. Fascists love to cover their tracks.

Step 7: Correct Loudly and Clearly
When correcting someone, be concise, kind (if possible), and include proof. Example:
“Nope! FEMA didn’t show up in Texas for 5 days. Source: The Guardian”
Use memes and graphics if text doesn’t cut through.

Step 8: Train Your Circle
Teach your friends and followers how to check sources. Share this guide. Host a virtual teach-in. Make it cool to question and cringe to spread crap.

🐱 Final Note from Resistance Kitty

Fascists thrive in a fog of lies. You? You’re a laser-pointer-wielding clarity beast. You don’t just chase the truth—you drag it out by the scruff, receipts in paw, and throw it on the damn table. Keep doing that. One debunked lie at a time, you’re helping claw our democracy back from the edge.

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