Fact Check: "Stinson offered to fund a 'contract hit' on Trump."
What We Know
The claim that "Stinson offered to fund a 'contract hit' on Trump" stems from reports regarding a former Coast Guard officer named Stinson, who was charged with making threats against President Trump. According to reports, Stinson allegedly expressed a willingness to "serve in a support capacity" or raise money for a "contract hit" against Trump, as detailed in multiple news articles (Yahoo News, CBS News). These statements were made in the context of threats that led to Stinson's arrest, highlighting his expressed intentions to harm the former president.
Analysis
While the statements attributed to Stinson do suggest a serious intent to threaten Trump, the phrasing of the claim is misleading. The term "offer to fund a 'contract hit'" implies a more formal and organized plan than what was reported. Stinson's comments appear to be more of a reckless expression of intent rather than a concrete offer or plan to finance an assassination.
The sources reporting on Stinson's threats include reputable outlets like CBS News and Yahoo News, which provide context about his background and the nature of the threats. However, it is crucial to note that the legal context of these threats is still unfolding, and Stinson has not been convicted of any crime related to these statements as of the latest reports. The reliability of the sources is generally high, but the interpretation of Stinson's statements can vary, leading to potential exaggeration in how the claims are presented.
Conclusion
The claim that "Stinson offered to fund a 'contract hit' on Trump" is False. While Stinson did make threatening statements regarding Trump, the characterization of these statements as a formal offer to fund a hit is misleading. The language used in the claim does not accurately reflect the nature of the threats made, which were more indicative of reckless threats rather than a structured plan to carry out an assassination.
Sources
- FACT SHEET: President Trump Steals from Law Enforcement ...
- President Trump Ordered To Pay $2 Million For Misusing ...
- Judge orders Trump administration to release billions of dollars from ...
- Trump's First 100 Days: Government Contracts - stinson.com
- Former Coast Guard officer charged with threatening to kill ...
- Former Coast Guard officer charged with threatening to kill President Trump
- FBI: Coast Guard vet arrested for threatening to kill Trump
- Trump's First 100 Days: Transportation | Stinson LLP - JDSupra