Fact Check: DOGE Did Not Forward Names of Congress Members to IRS for Audit
False Claim Circulates on Social Media
On February 19, 2023, a Facebook post emerged claiming that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had forwarded the names of 163 members of Congress to the IRS for "Immediate Audit." The post alleged that 156 of these members were Democrats. This claim spread rapidly, garnering over 15,000 reposts on Facebook alone within two days.
Origin of the Claim: Satirical Website
However, this claim is entirely false and originated from a satirical website known as America’s Last Line of Defense. This website is part of a network of satirical accounts that explicitly state that "nothing on this page is real." The original satirical post contained a watermark identifying it as satire, but this disclaimer was cropped out when the post was shared to Facebook and X.
Stolen Satire: Misleading Readers
The Facebook and X posts that disseminated the false claim are examples of "stolen satire," where satirical content is repurposed and presented as legitimate news. This practice misleads readers who may not be aware of the original satirical context.
Debunking Previous DOGE Falsehoods
USA TODAY has previously debunked other false claims related to DOGE, including allegations that the agency found the Pentagon spent $600 million on sushi and that Elon Musk ordered all federal employees to pass drug tests within 30 days or face termination.
Conclusion
The claim that DOGE forwarded the names of Congress members to the IRS for audit is false. This claim originated from a satirical website and was misrepresented as legitimate news. DOGE has not made any such announcement, and there is no evidence to support this allegation.
Importance of Fact-Checking
It is crucial to remain vigilant and verify the accuracy of information before sharing it on social media. Stolen satire and other forms of misinformation can spread rapidly and mislead individuals. By supporting fact-checking organizations and relying on credible sources for information, we can combat the spread of false narratives and ensure an informed public discourse.
