What Is PolitiFact Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives

Our rating process involves a team of journalists researching a claim, consulting primary sources, interviewing experts, and reviewing public records. The "Truth-O-Meter" scale (True, Mostly True, Half True, Mostly False, False, Pants on Fire!) reflects the degree of accuracy based on the evidence, with "Pants on Fire!" reserved for claims that are not only false but also ridiculous or fabricated.

PolitiFact is a non-partisan organization, a project of the Poynter Institute, and adheres to the International Fact-Checking Network's (IFCN) Code of Principles. Our methodology is transparent, and we focus solely on the verifiable facts of a statement, not the speaker's intent or political affiliation. We regularly publish our corrections policy and invite feedback on our work.

Yes, users can suggest claims for review. While we cannot fact-check every submission due to volume, we encourage readers to use the "Suggest a Fact-Check" form available on our website. Our editorial team prioritizes claims that are significant, widely disseminated, and verifiable.

PolitiFact primarily focuses on statements made by elected officials, candidates, and political figures. PunditFact, a section within PolitiFact, specifically targets claims made by pundits, columnists, bloggers, and talking heads in the media, applying the same rigorous fact-checking methodology to media commentary.

PolitiFact is a non-profit operation supported by grants, individual donations, and revenue from licensing its content. As a project of the Poynter Institute, a non-profit journalism school, our editorial independence is paramount. Our funding sources are transparently disclosed on our website, and no donor or partner has any influence over our fact-checking decisions or ratings.