The claim: Trey Gowdy saw ‘2000 Mules’ at Mar-a-Lago and is convinced of ‘rampant cheating’ in the 2020 election
A new film by right-wing personality Dinesh D’Souza circulates the unsubstantiated claim that a concerted effort by vote stuffers in swing states changed the outcome of the 2020 election, tipping the result against now-former President Donald Trump.
Independent fact checkers have pointed to flawed analysis used by D’Souza to connect cell phone location data and polling site surveillance footage to suggest that more than 2,000 “mules” or ballot stuffers were involved in an effort to undermine the integrity of the chose. election experts have done similarly.
However, efforts to legitimize D’Souza’s film continue.
AN Facebook post from May 9 claims former Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy saw this film, “2000 Mules,” at the film’s May 5 premiere at Mar-a-Lago and is convinced of “rampant cheating” in the 2020 election. Gowdy represented the South Carolina’s 4th congressional district from 2011 to 2019.
“I always believed rampant cheating occurred, but was skeptical it could be proven,” the post quoted Gowdy as saying. “After seeing the film I am no longer skeptical.”
That post drew more than 21,000 reactions and 9,000 shares in two days.
But, Gowdy never said what the claim attributes to him. USA TODAY spoke with Gowdy, who confirmed that he did not attend the film’s premiere at Mar-a-Lago on May 5 and that he has not seen the film.
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USA TODAY was unable to reach the Facebook account that posted the claim for comment.
Gowdy: the claims about him are false
USA TODAY reached out to Gowdy, who denied the statements found in the claim.
“Both statements are completely false. She was not in Mar a Lago. I have not seen the movie. Gowdy told USA TODAY via email. “I didn’t even know there was a movie. So it’s 100% false.”
Gowdy similarly disassociated himself from the quote wrongly attributed to others fact check outlets.
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As reported by The Associated Pressthe quote incorrectly attributed to Gowdy was actually from conservative commentator David Limbaugh, who tweeted that exact language on May 6. Limbaugh is the younger brother of legendary conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who died in February 2021.
Our rating: False
Based on our investigation, we rate as FALSE the claim that Gowdy said he saw “2000 Mules” at Mar-a-Lago and is convinced of “rampant cheating” in the 2020 election. USA TODAY spoke with Gowdy, who confirmed that he did not has seen the film and was not at Mar-a-Lago for the film’s premiere.
Our fact-checking sources:
- Associated Press, May 3, Big Holes in 2k Ballot ‘Mule’ Claim
- Associated Press, May 10, Former US Rep. Gowdy Failed To Praise Movie Alleging Voter Fraud
- AFP, May 12, US Documentary Revives Trump’s Unproven Voter Fraud Claims
- Check your fact, May 10, Fact Check: Did Trey Gowdy Attend the ‘2000 Mules’ Premiere?
- PolitiFact, May 4, The flawed premise of the ‘2000 mules’ trailer about voting by mail in the 2020 elections
- trey gowdyMay 10, Email exchange with USA TODAY
- Troy Nehls, May 4, cheep
- Jenna Ellis, May 4, cheep
- TwitterDavid Limbaugh, May 6, cheep
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Reference-www.usatoday.com