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.

More Info

I would like to contribute

$
Viral image
Viral image
stated on May 6, 2023 in an Instagram post:

Photo shows former first lady Michelle Obama as a man.

Pants on Fire!

Another altered photo of Michelle Obama shared as part of unfounded conspiracy theory

If your time is short

  • This photo was altered. 
 
See the sources for this fact-check

“No, it’s not photoshopped!” reads the text above an image of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama that has indeed been altered. 

The photo shows Barack Obama with his arm around Michelle Obama, except the photo has been doctored to make her appear masculine.

A May 6 Instagram post sharing the image 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.)

Michelle Obama tweeted the original, unedited and undated image Dec. 25, 2014. The young couple were standing in front of a Christmas tree.

We rate claims that the edited version is authentic Pants on Fire!

 
Our Sources

Instagram post, May 6, 2023

Michelle Obama tweet, Dec. 25, 2014

 

Another altered photo of Michelle Obama shared as part of unfounded conspiracy theory

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
stated on January 7, 2026 a press briefing

stated on January 14, 2026 a statement

Social Media
stated on February 14, 2026 social media posts



stated on January 20, 2026 an op-ed


Donald Trump
stated on February 3, 2026 remarks in the Oval Office


Social Media
stated on February 8, 2026 social media posts





Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
stated on stated on November 17, 2025 in remarks at George Washington University:

Donald Trump
stated on February 2, 2026 an interview with Dan Bongino