A Nov. 5 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) includes a screenshot of an article claiming a major news outlet asserted a former president remains at the helm of the U.S. government.
“NBC News Admits Obama Is ‘Shadow President’ Serving His ‘Third Term,’” reads the article's headline.
It received more than 150 likes in three days. Another version of the claim was shared more than 14,000 times on X, formerly Twitter.
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NBC News reported former President Barack Obama advised the White House on artificial intelligence, but the article did not refer to Obama being a “shadow president.” Experts told USA TODAY it is not unprecedented for a current president to seek counsel from a predecessor. The claim originated on a website known for publishing misinformation.
The claim stems from a Nov. 4 article by The People’s Voice, an outlet known to publish misinformation. The website includes a disclaimer saying it does not guarantee the reliability or accuracy of its content.
Contrary to the post's claim, the Nov. 3 NBC News article in question says nothing about Obama being the "shadow president." Rather, the article states Obama "quietly advised" the White House on artificial intelligence over several months.
The People’s Voice article...
Note: This is the first of two articles today on Thursday evening’s hearing before the County Commission on next year’s property tax rate, budget and special taxing district. The second article, a...