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Staff Writer

Samantha Putterman is a fact-checker for PolitiFact based in Florida reporting on misinformation with a focus on abortion and public health. Previously, she reported for the Bradenton Herald and the Tampa Bay Times. She is a graduate of USF St. Petersburg, where she majored in journalism and media studies.

Featured Statements

Joe Biden
stated on August 25, 2023 in an ad:

Video shows Donald Trump believes “there has to be some form of punishment” for women who have abortions.

By Samantha Putterman • September 19, 2023
Donald Trump
stated on September 14, 2023 in an interview with Megyn Kelly:

“Florida sort of had a mandate because they were giving the vaccine, they were demanding everybody take the vaccine.”

By Samantha Putterman • September 14, 2023
Chris Christie
stated on September 5, 2023 in a interview:

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, “in the last five years, spending has gone up 30%" in Florida.

By Samantha Putterman • September 8, 2023
Facebook posts
stated on August 30, 2023 in a Facebook post:

A new Florida law says “a father must submit a DNA test before signing the birth certificates.”

By Samantha Putterman • September 6, 2023
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
stated on August 22, 2023 in campaign website:

Sen. Rick Scott “wants to … end Social Security and Medicare coverage.”

By Marta Campabadal Graus • September 5, 2023
Ron DeSantis
stated on August 4, 2023 in a town hall:

“We’ve eliminated critical race theory in our K through 12 schools.”

By Samantha Putterman • August 14, 2023
Donald Trump
stated on July 29, 2023 in a speech:

Says Gov. Ron DeSantis “opposed my China tariffs and he heartlessly opposed” $28 billion for farm relief, which was paid for by China.

By Samantha Putterman • August 8, 2023
Ron DeSantis
stated on July 18, 2023 in an interview:

“In some liberal states, you actually have post-birth abortions.”

By Samantha Putterman • July 21, 2023
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
stated on July 11, 2023 in a video:

“COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.”

By Samantha Putterman • July 19, 2023
Instagram posts
stated on July 8, 2023 in an Instagram post:

The Wall Street Journal reporting proves that “Pizzagate” is real.

By Samantha Putterman • July 11, 2023