Fact Check: "Former US President Joe Biden, wife and grandson, perish in plane crash"
What We Know
The claim that former President Joe Biden, his wife Jill, and their grandson died in a plane crash is false. On December 29, 2024, President Biden issued a statement expressing his condolences regarding a tragic plane crash involving Jeju Airlines in Muan, Republic of Korea, which resulted in significant loss of life. In his statement, he said, "Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident" (source-1). This statement confirms that he and his family were not involved in any crash.
Furthermore, a report from a reputable news source, the New York Times, discusses President Trump's comments about a separate midair collision that occurred over the Potomac River, which he attributed to diversity initiatives in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (source-2). However, this incident is unrelated to the claim about Biden's family.
Analysis
The claim appears to originate from a misleading report that circulated on social media and less reliable news platforms, such as a sensationalist article from IceTech, which falsely reported the deaths of Biden and his family (source-6). This source lacks credibility and does not provide verifiable information.
In contrast, the statements from President Biden and the coverage by established news organizations like the New York Times and BBC provide factual context and clarity regarding the events surrounding the plane crash in Korea and the midair collision in Washington, D.C. (source-2, source-3). These sources are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking processes.
The sensational nature of the claim, combined with its propagation through unreliable sources, indicates a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Conclusion
The claim that former President Joe Biden, his wife, and grandson perished in a plane crash is false. There is no evidence to support this assertion, and credible sources confirm that President Biden and his family are alive and well. The misinformation appears to stem from unreliable reports and should be treated with skepticism.
Sources
- Statement from President Joe Biden on the Plane Crash in ... White House
- Trump Blames D.E.I. and Biden for Crash Under His Watch New York Times
- Fact-checking Trump's claims about diversity schemes and ... BBC
- In a life defined by tragedy, Biden the 'fighter' faces his ... CNN
- In a Life Defined by Tragedy, Joe Biden the 'Fighter' Faces ... WTTW
- JUST IN: Former US President Joe Biden, wife and grandson ... IceTech
- 'Goddamn, do something' — years of warnings came ... Politico
- Joe Biden says US ready to provide assistance after South ... Yahoo News
