Tucker Carlson new Trump press secretary? Fact checking the virus release

A screenshot of what appears to be a press release from Donald Trumpclaimed the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was chosen as the president-elect’s new press secretary and went viral on social media. But the photo is fake. Neither Trump nor Carlson have confirmed his appointment.

The screenshot of the press release that went viral on social media reads: “I am honored to announce that I have appointed Tucker Carlson as White House Press Secretary. Tucker has had a distinguished career in traditional media and broadcasting, and while he is a lifelong journalist, he is a true American patriot.

“With Tucker on board, it will be much, much easier to convey the Make America Great Again message to the American people, despite the bad actors trying to make a name for themselves in the White House press corps. I look forward to watching Tucker restore truth and dignity to the press corps, and I am confident that he will put the American people first by treating the reporters in the press corps exactly how they so richly deserve to be treated,” it continued.

Elon Musk-led Platform X, formerly known as Twitter, quickly fact-checked users making the claim. Trump has not announced his decision on a press secretary. Karoline Leavitt, Steven Cheung and Alina Habba are reportedly in the running for the post.

Donald Trump gathers his Cabinet and senior staff for his second term in the White House. The 78-year-old must nominate executives for 15 government agencies and other administrative positions that require Senate confirmation.