Fact Check: The world's bankers control everything

Fact-Check: "The world's bankers control everything"

What We Know

The claim that "the world's bankers control everything," particularly referencing the Rothschild family, has been a persistent conspiracy theory with deep roots in antisemitism. Following the death of Jacob Rothschild on February 26, 2024, a social media post falsely asserted that the Rothschilds were behind the Federal Reserve and now control the global financial system. This claim was flagged by Meta as part of their efforts to combat misinformation (PolitiFact).

Historically, the Rothschild family rose to prominence in banking during the Napoleonic Wars, but their wealth is now diversified across various industries, not solely banking. The Federal Reserve, which is often cited in these conspiracy theories, is governed by a Board of Governors appointed by the U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate, indicating that it is not privately controlled by any single family or entity (AFP).

Conspiracy theories surrounding the Rothschilds have been debunked repeatedly over the years. For instance, claims that they own central banks worldwide are false; most central banks are state-owned, with only a few having private investors (USA Today). The Anti-Defamation League has noted that these theories often exploit antisemitic tropes (AFP).

Analysis

The evidence against the claim that the Rothschild family controls global finance is robust and well-documented. The assertion is rooted in a long history of conspiracy theories that have been discredited by credible sources. For example, historian Mike Rothschild (no relation to the banking family) has pointed out that many of these theories are based on antisemitic stereotypes, such as portraying Jews as greedy or clannish (PolitiFact).

Moreover, the claim that the Rothschilds own or control central banks has been systematically debunked. According to a fact check by AFP, the Rothschild banking groups operate private financial institutions rather than central banks, which are predominantly government entities. This aligns with findings from the Bank of England, which has clarified that most central banks are publicly owned (AFP).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-respected in the field of fact-checking and journalism. PolitiFact, USA Today, and AFP are known for their rigorous fact-checking processes and commitment to accuracy, making their assessments reliable.

Conclusion

The claim that "the world's bankers control everything," particularly through the Rothschild family, is False. This assertion is based on longstanding conspiracy theories that lack credible evidence and are often rooted in antisemitic beliefs. The Rothschild family does not control the global financial system, nor are they behind the Federal Reserve. Instead, the governance of such institutions is conducted through publicly appointed officials, and most central banks are state-owned entities.

Fact Check: The world's bankers control everything