Fact-Check Summary
The post in question, allegedly from Donald Trump on Truth Social, reads: “Should be number ONE New York Times RIGGED IT Selena is great President DJT.” Credible sources confirm that this specific, brief message was indeed posted by Trump. However, the subject matter—the New York Times and a ranking, connected to Selena Gomez—remains vague. Importantly, this statement exists in a context where many longer, fake posts attributed to Trump about Selena Gomez and other issues have circulated widely. While this message appears authentic, it exemplifies a pattern of unsubstantiated claims and rhetorical accusations of media bias that require careful scrutiny.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The post contains typical features of former President Trump’s social media rhetoric: emphasis, abrupt phrasing, and broad allegations. The claim that the New York Times “rigged” something is unsubstantiated within the post and contributes to undermining trust in media without providing evidence. While it does not employ extreme hostility or explicit division, the insinuation of media manipulation—without factual support—encourages suspicion and erodes the norms of fair and evidence-based public discourse.
Opinion
Public figures bear responsibility to ground criticism in fact, especially around vital democratic institutions like the press. Posts that allege major media manipulation without specifics or supporting facts risk fueling cynicism and division, even when not overtly hostile. This message reflects a concerning trend in political communication where serious accusations are made through implication rather than substantiation, undermining faith in both the media and constructive debate.
TLDR
The post appears to be authentic but contains a baseless accusation against the New York Times and vague praise for Selena Gomez. While not overtly hostile, it perpetuates unproven claims about rigging, which undermines healthy democratic discourse.
Claim: Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the New York Times “rigged it” and that Selena is “great.”
Fact: This exact phraseology has been confirmed as an authentic Truth Social post from Donald Trump, though the allegation of “rigging” is unsupported and not explained in the post.
Opinion: Such posts, even when real, erode the standards of informed and reasoned public debate by making unsubstantiated accusations towards the press.
TruthScore: 6/10
True: The post itself is genuine based on available evidence.
Hyperbole: Accusing the New York Times of “rigging” without providing explanation or evidence.
Lies: No explicit falsehoods in the text, but the implication of media manipulation is baseless within this post.