Rumors have swirled on social media about the Trump campaign using an imperial eagle, also known as a "Nazi symbol" on t-shirts. USA Today decided to do a "fact check" on whether or not the claim was true. Of course, they ruled it was "true."
The claim: Trump campaign shirts feature imperial eagle, a Nazi symbol
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 12, 2020
Our ruling: True https://t.co/3eCiYdgQvK
From the article:
The T-shirt for sale on the Trump campaign's website is called the "America First Tee." The design includes a left-facing eagle, holding a round emblem with the U.S. flag inside and "Trump 2020" in a banner underneath.
Forward also reported the eagle was a stock image, based on sleuthing from Twitter. The stock art linked in the Forward article has since been removed.
The President of the United States is campaigning for reelection with a Nazi symbol. Again.
— Bend the Arc: Jewish Action (@jewishaction) July 1, 2020
On the left: an official Trump/Pence “America First” tee.
On the right; the Iron Eagle, the official symbol of the Nazi party.
°It’s not an accident. Bigotry is their entire brand. pic.twitter.com/mSOBxwf7WaBoth birds hold another national symbol in their talons, wings outstretched, with the head facing to the right to the viewer, or the eagle's left.
But the designs have key differences. In Trump’s, the eagle holds the American flag up near its chest; the Nazi symbol holds the swastika lower. Trump’s design also features “Trump 2020” below it. The American eagle is also a bald eagle, whereas the Nazi eagle is depicted as an all-black bird.
Our ruling: True
The claims that a Trump campaign T-shirt has come under criticism for using a symbol similar to a Nazi eagle is TRUE, based on our research. But it is worth noting that the eagle is a common symbol in American politics, and is included in the presidential seal of the U.S., as well as many federal departments.
People automatically questioned the "fact check." After all, the bald eagle is our national emblem and it's incorporated in various ways, from patriotic t-shirts to political logos and official government seals.
Seems only fair that you guys write an article about Speaker Pelosi using the same symbol on her website. pic.twitter.com/XRDDJADIz0
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) July 12, 2020
This is moronic.
— Tim Murtaugh - Download the Trump 2020 app today! (@TimMurtaugh) July 12, 2020
In Democrats’ America, Mount Rushmore glorifies white supremacy and the bald eagle with an American flag is a Nazi symbol.
They have lost their minds.
Better tell the USMC too. pic.twitter.com/mzX4sMHDiY
Another example of biased "FACT CHECK" propaganda from progressives. The United States began using the eagle since 1782 (quite a bit before the Nazis adopted it). pic.twitter.com/Mn7zxw8JW0
— @amuse (@amuse) July 12, 2020
USA Today was forced to issue a "clarification," where they explained that the eagle is an American symbol. It was something they thought was "worth noting."
Clarification: The claim that Trump 2020 has put out a T-shirt with a symbol similar to a Nazi eagle and is being criticized for it is true. Worth noting, the eagle is a longtime US symbol, too.
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 12, 2020
“wOrtH nOtiNg!!!” pic.twitter.com/IrcjzgYf7Q
— Abigail Marone (@abigailmarone) July 12, 2020
The claim: USA Today is filled with morons
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 12, 2020
Our ruling: True.
Worth noting, USA Today’s daily paper can be really good bird cage liner and make a good puppy potty training pad in a pinch.
I have it on some of my vet org shirts! This is ridiculous! The eagle is a beautiful symbol we have always used in our nation!!!
— Code of Vets ™ (@codeofvets) July 12, 2020
YOU ARE A DISGRACE! pic.twitter.com/DYJwEKyTdq
Worth noting this is Goebbels level propaganda
— Tony Shaffer (@T_S_P_O_O_K_Y) July 12, 2020
USA Today was accused of being morons and that claim is true. Worth noting, USA Today’s daily paper can be really good bird cage liner and make a good puppy potty training pad in a pinch.
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 12, 2020
This is the very example of why the American people hate the mainstream media. Everyone has become obsessed with these "fact checks," yet simple things like this are totally bogus. For whatever reason, anything and everything President Donald Trump and his campaign does has to be racist or stoke anti-Semitism. The term "Make America Great Again" has been labeled racist. These shirts are being compared to Nazi Germany propaganda.
The mainstream media needs to take a chill pill. It is possible to be proud of your nation without being a white supremacist. It is possible to honor your country and all it stands for without having some sort of hidden meaning.
Maybe next time USA Today should sit this one out.