Matt Gaetz Schools CNN Anchor with Facts: A Lesson in Fact-Checking

Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz corrected a misstatement made by a CNN anchor during a live television interview, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and thorough fact-checking.

During the interview, Abby Phillip, a prominent CNN anchor, incorrectly claimed that Gaetz had voted against a defense appropriations bill on a procedural motion known as a “rule.” However, Gaetz promptly corrected her, stating that he actually voted in favor of the rule, not once but twice. The incident raised questions about CNN’s credibility and highlighted the significance of researching and fact-checking, particularly when discussing public figures and their records.

Politico reported that five members, including representatives Andy Biggs, Dan Bishop, Ken Buck, Ralph Norman, and Matt Rosendale, had actually voted against the rule, but Gaetz was not among them. Later, Buck and Norman changed their votes in support of the rule, while representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Eli Crane switched their votes to “no.”

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy in journalism. Misinformation can lead to embarrassment for journalists like Phillip and can damage the reputation of the network. Journalists must verify their facts before presenting them to the public, especially when interviewing prominent figures like Gaetz. It is a wake-up call for CNN to live up to its motto of putting “facts first.” For Gaetz, it was another day of advocating for truth and accuracy in reporting.

This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.