About PolitiFact

PolitiFact is a nonprofit fact-checking organization that began in August 2007 as a project of the Tampa Bay Times. Acquired by the Poynter Institute in 2018, it operates from offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The organization focuses on verifying claims made by politicians and public figures, aiming to combat misinformation through thorough, evidence-based analysis. PolitiFact offers fact-checking reports that utilize its "Truth-O-Meter," which rates claims on a six-point scale from True to "Pants on Fire" for the most egregious falsehoods. Its methodology includes cross-referencing primary sources and consulting experts. The organization also provides specialized content such as report cards on politicians' truthfulness and accountability projects. PolitiFact serves the general public, journalists, educators, and policymakers, and its work is widely cited by media organizations and academic institutions. With over 22,000 fact-checks published, PolitiFact has established itself as a leading voice in the fight against misinformation.