Politics & Government
Fake Pro-Trump News Exposed In Minnesota
False rumors spread like wildfire during President Donald Trump's visit to Minneapolis on Thursday.
MINNEAPOLIS — Numerous rumors and fake news stories spread online during President Donald Trump's visit to Minneapolis Thursday. One of the more humorous ones — for anyone familiar with Minnesota's climate during the month of October — involved a cactus and desert background.
"There are lines extending OUTSIDE OF THE PARKING lot," tweeted "The Best American" account.
There are lines extending OUTSIDE OF THE PARKING lot for the #TrumpMinneapolis rally at the Target Center. It’s a freakin’ rock concert. I’ve never seen anything like it! #KAG2020 #TRUMP2020 pic.twitter.com/5hqRy1edtB
— The Best American (@best_american) October 10, 2019
The hilarious attempt at promoting fake news was quickly debunked. The post included a photo of a long line, with a dry, sunny scene.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Thursday night's rally was held during a cold rain. There are also no downtown Minneapolis buildings in the photo.
And no, cacti aren't a common part of Minnesota's landscape.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I live in Minneapolis. This isn’t even what downtown looks like. Nor is it what the parking RAMPS look like. Also, it’s overcast & raining here. This is 100% fake. Geotagged in PA, even!
— The Sassiest Minx (@SassiestMinx) October 10, 2019
Liar. Pic is from 2017 in Montana. pic.twitter.com/3jV4DJrJw2
— Blue Alien Facehugger (@axiomatic13) October 10, 2019
The long lines tweet wasn't the only piece of fake news exposed Thursday night. One false rumor that spread like wildfire alleged Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey removed the portable toilets for event.
Didn't you remove all the porta johns so those going to the rally had no where to go to the bathroom? What about the protesters throwing garbage at the mounted police and causing problems? "Love Trumps Hate" didn't know you're a comedian
— savsdad (@savsdad0715) October 11, 2019
In reality, it was just a case of poor planning by the rally organizers.
We're getting a lot of questions about the port-a-potties near @TargetCenterMN. It is the responsibility of event organizers to provide these facilities, not the city. #TrumpMinneapolis
— City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) October 10, 2019
The event organizers have provided a row of port-a-potties, which are located behind Ramp C. https://t.co/K33wrx5rm0 pic.twitter.com/HeBlirboV5
— City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) October 10, 2019
A third rumor was spread with the help of the Minnesota Republican chairwoman.
"Mayor Jacob Frey stifles free speech and press again," Jennifer Carnahan said on Twitter. "The city of Minneapolis has banned tv cameras and media from interviewing rally goers waiting in the skyways for the rally."
Members of the press, from outlets including WCCO Radio and the Star Tribune, said Carnahan's claim was wrong.
1- This isn't true. There's no ban on anyone. 2- Follow along with us, our reporters @SloaneMartin and @MarkFreie all afternoon/evening for the latest updates from both sides. https://t.co/vhq93ym5PV
— WCCO Radio (@wccoradio) October 10, 2019
Star tribune reporter @MaraKlecker has been tweeting from the line and skyways all day, so it seems like this is not true. If you have a source please pass it in though.
— Andy Mannix (@AndrewMannix) October 10, 2019
As a fellow Newhouse grad [you of all people] should understand the ethics of journalism and free speech. The only sad thing about my tweet is that it’s true.
— Jennifer Carnahan (@jkcarnah) October 10, 2019
Mayor Jacob Frey responded to the allegation as well, saying it isn't true:
This remains untrue. Perhaps @mngop needs to touch base w Secret Service RE: security protocol. Meantime, why doesn’t everyone give our hometown journalists - who don’t spread misinformation like this - a follow @StarTribune @MPRnews @MinnPost @KSTP @FOX9 @WCCO @kare11 @wccoradio pic.twitter.com/KoloMgxNHF
— Jacob Frey (@Jacob_Frey) October 10, 2019
Additionally, city of Minneapolis spokesman Casper Hill told KARE 11 the majority of the skyways in downtown are owned by businesses. The exceptions are the skyways connected to public buildings, such as a county building or city hall.
"No City government policy banning TV cameras and media from interviewing in the skyways," Hill told the station.
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