Viral Posts Spread Iran-‘Deep State’ Conspiracy Theory

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Quick Take

An online conspiracy theory falsely claims that Democratic leaders coordinated the June attacks on two oil tankers and a U.S. drone and that President Donald Trump caught them in the act. The Trump administration has placed the blame squarely on Iran.


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Facebook posts shared by tens of thousands tell of an elaborate “deep state” conspiracy by top Democrats to “drag” President Donald Trump into a war with Iran — despite the lack of any evidence to support that claim. The posts further allege that Trump “recorded” the scheme.

We found examples of the claim dating back to June 2019, around the time two oil tankers and an unmanned U.S. drone were attacked in the Middle East. Various posts attribute the text to a Facebook user who has shared other claims about the “Deep State.” One post — a meme with the text and a photo of former Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy that was published in October and is still being circulated — has more than 28,000 shares.

“Deep State hits two tankers and then shoots down an American drone, which is an act of war,” the text alleges. It then claims that Trump invited House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to a White House meeting and relayed the “American response to them which is retaliation using military force.”

It accuses Pelosi and Schumer of celebrating after the meeting because “they are deep state and they finally dragged Trump into war.” The false narrative continues by saying Pelosi and Schumer contacted “Brennan” — presumably former CIA Director John Brennan — who in turn “alerted” Iranian “operatives” to move “as many woman and children into the hit zone as possible.”

The text concludes: “Once all this played out and President had it all recorded, President called off the strike.”

The conspiracy theory lacks factual merit and is contradicted by statements by Pelosi and Schumer at the time showing the Democrats were cautioning Trump from becoming entangled militarily with Iran after the drone strike — not encouraging it.

Still, some users commenting and sharing in recent days expressed belief in the tale. One argued that it was proof that Pelosi “couldn’t be trusted.” Another said “[t]hese people are completely immoral, hate thier country and the AMERICAN PEOPLE they are supposed to serve.” Some questioned why the purported evidence collected hadn’t been released.

Here is what actually happened, based on known facts:

We could find no evidence of the Trump administration ever claiming to have any recordings of Democrats like those described in the viral posts.

In the months since the drone attack, the conflict between Iran and the U.S had further escalated — increasing after the U.S. killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani by airstrike in January — and then tempered.

The Senate on Feb. 13 approved a resolution to rein in Trump’s ability to go to war with Iran without approval from Congress. The measure is expected to pass the House but to be vetoed by Trump.

Editor’s note: FactCheck.org is one of several organizations working with Facebook to debunk misinformation shared on social media. Our previous stories can be found here.

Sources

Morin, Rebecca. “This is why Chuck Schumer was raising the roof after a White House meeting on Iran.” USA Today. 20 Jun 2019.

Pelosi Statement on Aborted Iran Strike.” Press release, Office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 21 Jun 2019.

President Donald J. Trump Is Imposing Sanctions on the Supreme Leader of Iran and the Worst Elements of the Iranian Regime.” White House. 24 Jun 2019.

Secretary of State Pompeo on Attacks on Oil Tankers.” C-SPAN. Video. 13 Jun 2019.

Schumer Remarks Following White House Briefing On Iran.” Press release, Senate Democrats. 20 Jun 2019.

Trump Donald (@realDonaldTrump). “….On Monday they shot down an unmanned drone flying in International Waters. We were cocked & loaded to retaliate last night on 3 different sights when I asked, how many will die. 150 people, sir, was the answer from a General. 10 minutes before the strike I stopped it, not….” Twitter. 21 Jun 2019.

Trump Donald (@realDonaldTrump). “….proportionate to shooting down an unmanned drone. I am in no hurry, our Military is rebuilt, new, and ready to go, by far the best in the world. Sanctions are biting & more added last night. Iran can NEVER have Nuclear Weapons, not against the USA, and not against the WORLD!” Twitter. 21 Jun 2019.