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Trump and age of consent, Putin arrest rumors & orca trainer

Plus: 'Frankenstein' rabbits with horns or tentacles on faces are real — but there's nothing to fear

Author

Megan Loe
August 14, 2025

THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

A white man wearing a black suit speaks.

Investigating claim Trump seeks to lower age of consent and marriage to 14

A rumor circulating online claimed President Trump and the Republican Party planned to lower the age of consent for sexual activity, or the minimum age for marriage, to 14. The posts suggested this was an attempt to shield the president from facing charges related to his alleged ties to the late, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

One popular version of the claim also alleged that state governments in Missouri, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Wyoming had drafted legislation allowing 14-year-olds to marry adults. Snopes senior reporter Jordan Liles has the facts.

Two white men wearing black suits look at each other.

Could Trump arrest Putin at Alaska summit on Ukraine war? Here are the facts

The U.S. withdrew support for the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court in 2002.

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A white man wearing a blue suit speaks at a podium.

Unpacking claim Utah lawmaker suggested change in age of consent law as relative faced child rape charges

State Senate President J. Stuart Adams suggested to another lawmaker he should look into the law, according to a report from The Salt Lake Tribune.

A white woman stands between two large black and white whales. A crowd can be seen behind her.

Orca killed trainer named Jessica Radcliffe during performance?

Though seemingly based on real events from 2010, claims circulating on social media were generated using AI.

Two black and white images show a white man wearing clown makeup. The image on the right shows him standing in front of a tent that says THE HAPPY MEAL.

Murderer named Ronald McDonald killed 12 children in 1892?

Online users discussed and shared a video about a story set in 1892, telling a tale of a man named Ronald McDonald and 12 missing children.

Staff Pick

A rabbit is shown outside with what appears to be black and grey horns from its head.

'Frankenstein' rabbits with horns or tentacles on faces are real — but there's nothing to fear

Rumors spread online that rabbits infected with a virus that creates a tentacle-like growth on their faces were "invading" the U.S.