The fact check article addresses a claim regarding a photograph of gold bars purportedly taken by U.S. troops in Iraq in 2003. This claim has surfaced in discussions about the actions of U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, suggesting he was involved in the incident. The context is significant as it relates to historical events during the Iraq War and the narratives surrounding military conduct.
Claim
The claim asserts that the photograph of gold bars was taken by U.S. soldiers in Iraq in 2003, suggesting a direct connection to Senator Tom Cotton’s involvement during that time. This claim is false, as it misrepresents the timeline and context of the photograph.
Fact
The photograph in question actually predates Tom Cotton’s service in Iraq, which occurred later in 2003. The image was taken during an earlier operation unrelated to Cotton’s deployment. This fact is corroborated by multiple sources, including:
- Reuters
- The Washington Post
- FactCheck.org
Conclusion
This fact check falls under the category of False Content, as it contains misleading information that is wholly false regarding both the events depicted in the photograph and its connection to Senator Tom Cotton.
