THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

Contrary to Rumor, Pete Hegseth Does Not Have Nazi Tattoos

On Nov. 12, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Pete Hegseth, an Army veteran and Fox News host, for secretary of defense. Following the announcement, as internet users began to research and share information about Hegseth, posts appeared on social media platforms variously claiming Hegseth has tattoos consisting of white nationalist, Christian nationalist and/or Nazi symbols.

We found Hegseth has about 12 tattoos on his right arm and chest, all but one of which are clear references to his military service and patriotism or to his Christian faith. Two of his Christian-based tattoos use symbology that has become associated with — but doesn't necessarily indicate adherence to — Christian nationalist views. Snopes reporter Jack Izzo has the details.

Yes, Trump Has Been Convicted of Felonies

In May, a jury found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a hush-money scheme.

Video Does Not Show Biden Wandering off into Amazon Rainforest

Online users and some journalists published misinformation about a video-recorded moment from Biden's visit to the Amazon rainforest in November.

Rachel Maddow Broke Down Crying and Ran Off Set?

A Facebook past made the claim shortly after The New Yorker published her concerns about Trump's 2024 election win.

Google AI Chatbot Told Student to 'Please Die'?

One user on social media commented, "Boy it sure seems like this new AI thing might be not such a great idea."

Staff Pick

Everyone Calls the Day After Thanksgiving 'Black Friday.' Why?

In 1985, one department store manager described the day after Thanksgiving as "a black cloud hanging over" his employees.