misinformation
Why did Americans stop trusting the experts and government to get the job done?
Americans' distrust in government stems from historical events like Vietnam and Watergate, but was significantly accelerated during the Trump administration. Trump and his subordinates consistently messaged that government was untrustworthy, spreading falsehoods daily until people began believing 'bonkers' conspiracies about their own institutions. This messaging was particularly effective after the pandemic, when skepticism toward experts was heightened. The ground was deliberately prepared through persistent misinformation, causing people to believe in deep state conspiracies and other nonsense about government operations, fundamentally eroding public trust in institutions.
Watch clip answer (01:10m)
MSNBC
06:06 - 07:17
What is the truth behind claims that USAID spent millions of taxpayer dollars to fund Politico?
The claims about USAID spending millions on Politico were greatly exaggerated. Government records show USAID only spent about $44,000 on Politico during fiscal years 2023-2024, primarily for subscriptions to specialized publications like their energy and environment report. The $8 million figure cited was the total government spending on Politico subscriptions, not just from USAID. Most government contracts with Politico were for premium information services, like a recent $35,000 contract from the White House's Office of National Cyber director for 15 users to access Politico Pro Premium, which tracks and analyzes policy developments. These were standard business subscriptions, not payments for favorable coverage as some political figures suggested.
Watch clip answer (01:24m)
Philip DeFranco
01:43 - 03:08
What is the truth about USAID funding Politico?
Contrary to viral claims that USAID gave Politico $8 million in taxpayer funds, making it 'state funded media', the actual financial support was significantly less than reported. The clip clarifies this misleading narrative that has been spreading across political circles. Rather than direct funding, USAID's support was primarily for subscriptions to specialized services, not general operational funding as suggested by conservative commentators. This is part of a larger pattern of misinformation in today's political landscape where misleading statements and misunderstandings are weaponized and go viral, affecting public perceptions of government spending and media independence.
Watch clip answer (00:36m)Philip DeFranco
00:00 - 00:36
What was the truth behind claims that the US spent $50 million on condoms for Gaza?
The claim that the US spent $50 million on condoms for Gaza or Hamas was a misrepresentation of facts. According to federal reports, USAID did not provide or fund any condoms in the entire Middle East in fiscal years 2021-2023. In reality, USAID spent about $7 million on male condoms and $1 million on female condoms worldwide in 2023, mostly in African countries. The confusion likely stemmed from misinterpreting information about a $100 million grant to the International Medical Corps for medical and trauma services in Gaza, which included family planning programming, but no condoms were procured with US funds.
Watch clip answer (02:00m)
Philip DeFranco
06:55 - 08:56
What recent approval did Elon Musk receive regarding access to government systems?
A federal judge recently granted Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency permission to access government computers. This approval appears to be connected to future firings and cuts within federal agencies, suggesting Musk's role in reviewing government operations and efficiency. The development comes amid broader political tensions, including President Trump's controversial statements about Ukraine's role in the war with Russia. Ukraine's president responded by claiming Trump exists in a 'Russian disinformation space' after Trump incorrectly blamed Ukraine for starting the conflict that Russia initiated through its invasion.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
CBS News
00:21 - 00:43
What role does Elon Musk play in the Trump administration according to the clip?
According to the clip, Elon Musk plays a crucial implementation role in the Trump administration. When the former president issues executive orders, it is Musk who ensures these directives get implemented across various government agencies through the newly formed DOGE agency focused on government efficiency. Despite questions arising from some Republicans about DOGE's work and the speed of implementation—which has led to lawsuits and questionable decisions—Trump appears quite content with and reliant on Musk's role in his administration. This relationship highlights Trump's significant dependence on Musk for executing his governmental directives.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)
CBS News
04:02 - 04:33