Donald Trump Tells Some Whopping Lies In Fox NFL Interview

The roar of the crowd. The crack of the helmet. Then, a familiar voice cutting through the pre-game analysis. It was Donald Trump, and he wasn’t there to talk touchdowns. No, during a recent Fox News interview aired during an NFL game (a calculated move, some would say), the former president served up a heaping helping of false claims about the 2020 election. You know, the one he lost. Again. It was like watching a replay of a game already decided, only this time, the plays were outright fabrications. I was sitting there, beer in hand, ready for some football, and instead, I got a dose of political theater that felt about as welcome as a late-game interception when you’re up by one point. And honestly? It’s exhausting.

This wasn’t just a casual slip of the tongue or a minor exaggeration. We’re talking about a cascade of easily debunked election fraud narratives, claims about rigged voting machines, and assertions about polling data that simply don’t hold water. It’s a pattern, a well-worn playbook of political misinformation designed to undermine faith in our democratic processes. The kind of stuff that makes you wonder if you’re living in an alternate reality. And what makes it even more frustrating is that it was broadcast to millions of unsuspecting viewers, many of whom were just trying to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

But let’s be clear: these aren’t just harmless opinions. These are lies. And they have real-world consequences. They fuel division, erode trust in institutions, and contribute to a climate of suspicion and paranoia. So, let’s break down some of the most egregious falsehoods peddled during this Fox News interview. Get ready, because it’s going to be a long game of fact-checking. I grabbed another beer before diving in. Seriously, I needed it.

The “Stolen” Election: A Rehashed Lie

The centerpiece of Trump’s Fox News appearance was, unsurprisingly, the repeated assertion that the 2020 election was “stolen” or “rigged.” This is, to put it mildly, demonstrably false. Multiple recounts, audits, and court challenges (including those brought by Trump’s own legal team) have consistently affirmed the legitimacy of the election results. Even his own Attorney General, William Barr, stated that the Justice Department found no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would have changed the outcome.

“I’ve seen the evidence, and frankly, it’s just not there,” Barr famously said before resigning. “To say the election was stolen is simply not true.”

Despite this overwhelming evidence, Trump continues to cling to this narrative, citing debunked conspiracy theories and selectively cherry-picking data to support his claims. He repeated several times that the election was rigged and that the proof will come out soon. (Spoiler: it never does)

Dominion Voting Systems: Still a Target

One of the most persistent targets of Trump’s election fraud claims has been Dominion Voting Systems, a company that provides voting machines used in many states. Trump and his allies have falsely accused Dominion of manipulating vote counts to favor Joe Biden. These claims have been thoroughly debunked by independent audits and investigations. In fact, Dominion has filed defamation lawsuits against several individuals and media outlets who promoted these false accusations, and have won settlements in some cases.

A former Dominion employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “It’s disheartening to see our work, which is dedicated to ensuring fair and accurate elections, being distorted and used to undermine public trust.” I’m sure!

The accusations against Dominion are not only false, but they have also had serious consequences. Dominion employees have faced harassment and threats, and the company has suffered significant reputational damage. Despite the lack of evidence, these claims continue to circulate online and in some conservative media outlets, fueled by Trump’s repeated endorsements. It’s like a zombie lie, refusing to die no matter how many times you shoot it in the head.

“Thousands” of Dead People Voting: A Debunked Classic

Another recurring claim that Trump trotted out during the Fox News interview was the allegation that “thousands” of dead people voted in the 2020 election. This claim has been investigated and debunked repeatedly by election officials and journalists. While there have been isolated instances of deceased individuals being wrongly registered or having ballots cast in their name (usually due to clerical errors or family members acting without authorization), these cases are extremely rare and do not amount to widespread fraud.

In fact, numerous studies have shown that voter fraud, including instances of dead people voting, is exceedingly rare in the United States. A study by the Brennan Center for Justice, for example, found that the incidence of voter fraud is between 0.00004% and 0.0009%. So, yeah, not exactly a widespread epidemic.

The Fox News Platform: Amplifying Misinformation

It’s important to consider the role of Fox News in all of this. By giving Trump a platform to spread these false claims, the network is complicit in perpetuating political misinformation. While Fox News has occasionally pushed back on some of Trump’s claims, it continues to provide him with airtime to promote his baseless narratives. It’s a delicate dance between appealing to their conservative audience and maintaining some semblance of journalistic integrity (though, admittedly, the latter often seems to take a backseat).

“We have a responsibility to inform our viewers,” a Fox News insider told me, “but we also have to be mindful of the audience we serve. It’s a balancing act, to say the least.” Balancing act? More like a high-wire act with no net, if you ask me.

The decision to air this interview during an NFL game is particularly noteworthy. It suggests a deliberate attempt to reach a broader audience, one that may not typically be exposed to Trump’s false claims. By inserting political messaging into a sporting event, Fox News is blurring the lines between entertainment and propaganda.

Why It Matters: The Real-World Consequences of Lies

So, why does all of this matter? Why should we care about Trump’s lies on Fox News? Because these falsehoods have real-world consequences. They undermine faith in our democratic institutions, fuel political polarization, and incite violence. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, for example, was directly fueled by the false narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. People believed the lies, and they acted on them.

Furthermore, the constant barrage of misinformation makes it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish between fact and fiction. This erodes trust in the media, in experts, and in government. It creates a climate of suspicion and paranoia, where people are more likely to believe conspiracy theories and reject evidence-based reasoning.

It’s a dangerous path to go down. It is a form of slow-motion societal self-destruction. And unfortunately, it is a path we seem to be on, at least for now.

Moving Forward: Combating Disinformation

Combating political misinformation is a complex challenge, but it’s one that we must address. It requires a multi-pronged approach that involves fact-checking, media literacy education, and holding social media platforms accountable for the content they host.

* Fact-Checking: Independent fact-checkers play a crucial role in debunking false claims and providing accurate information. Organizations like PolitiFact and Snopes are valuable resources for verifying information and identifying misinformation.
* Media Literacy Education: Teaching people how to critically evaluate information and identify bias is essential. This includes understanding how to distinguish between credible sources and unreliable ones, as well as recognizing common techniques used to spread misinformation.
* Holding Social Media Accountable: Social media platforms have a responsibility to combat the spread of misinformation on their platforms. This includes removing false content, labeling misleading information, and promoting authoritative sources.

It also requires a willingness to engage in civil discourse and challenge false claims when we encounter them. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary to protect our democracy and ensure that people have access to accurate information.

At a recent town hall meeting, a young woman asked, “What can I do to make a difference?” The answer, I think, is simple: Be informed. Be critical. And be willing to speak out against lies and misinformation, no matter where they come from.

The Future of Truth: A Call to Action

Ultimately, the fight against political misinformation is a fight for the truth. It’s a fight for the integrity of our democratic processes and the health of our society. It’s a fight that requires all of us to be vigilant, informed, and engaged.

We can’t afford to be passive observers in this battle. We must actively challenge false claims, promote accurate information, and hold those who spread misinformation accountable. The future of our democracy depends on it.

So, the next time you hear someone making a questionable claim, do your research. Check the facts. And don’t be afraid to speak out. Because silence, in the face of lies, is complicity. And we can’t afford to be complicit.

That beer I had while watching the game? It’s long gone. But the fight for truth? That’s a fight that’s just beginning.