Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is a human, despite what social media posts say
Longtime conspiracy theories that some of the best-known politicians in the United States aren’t human have ensnared California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
"Jamal’s neck, Gavin’s neck.. not humans," a recent Instagram post says, perhaps referring to Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-NY.
People commenting on the post offered up other examples of impostors, such as the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. and former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
"Diane was dead long ago," one comment said, misspelling Feinstein’s name. "Just like Ruth."
Featured Fact-check
This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
Other social media posts have highlighted the neck of President Joe Biden to suggest people were posing as the commander in chief. Others showed Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla’s to claim he was reptilian.
The idea that Newsom isn’t human is likewise baseless.
We rate it Pants on Fire!
Our Sources
Instagram post, Oct. 2, 2023
PolitiFact, Viewers mistake shadow on Biden’s neck for a mask, Oct. 8, 2020
PolitiFact, Was someone in a Joe Biden mask at the State of the Union? No, It was Biden himself, Feb. 10, 2023
PolitiFact, Reptilian conspiracy theory continues after queen’s death, Sept. 12, 2022
PolitiFact, No, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla isn’t a reptile, Dec. 1, 2022
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Ciara O'Rourke
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is a human, despite what social media posts say
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.