Fact Check: Did the State Department ban Greta Thunberg over a post threatening Trump?

WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that the US State Department has issued a travel ban on climate activist Greta Thunberg for an alleged social media post threatening President Donald Trump, sparking criticism and speculation.

Let us analyze the origins of the claim and fact-check its authenticity.

Claim: US State Department issues travel ban on Greta Thunberg

According to the viral claim, the travel ban was issued by the State Department after she allegedly threatened the president in her Instagram post.

"Ms Thunberg used divisive and violent language that her followers in the US might take to heart," State Department Spokesman Joe Barron allegedly said. "She is, therefore, no longer welcome here."

The Facebook post that triggered the rumor further claimed Thunberg's passport has been flagged for denial of entry at all ports, and Norway's Prime Minister has been informed that her visas have been revoked.

The claim has spread on other social media platforms, including X and Reddit, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.

Fact Check: The claim originated as a satire

The claim, however, is false, as there is no credible evidence or official statement saying the State Department imposed a ban on the Swedish climate activist. There is also no evidence proving Thunberg made an Instagram post threatening Trump.

A search on Google for the claim yielded no relevant reports by prominent media outlets about the ban or the social media post, which, if true, would have triggered large-scale debate and widespread reporting. There are also no records of the department’s spokesperson making such a remark.

Moreover, the post states that Norway's Prime Minister has been informed that her visas have been revoked, which is untrue, as she is a Swedish citizen.

The claim was first posted by a popular parody account on Facebook called ‘America’s Last Line Of Defense,’ which states in its bio, ‘Nothing on this page is real.’ Hence, the claim originated as satire for the sake of engagement.

Greta Thunberg slams Trump's 'civilization' remark

Greta Thunberg strongly criticized President Trump for his “civilization” remark, saying she is deeply disturbed by the idea of wiping out an entire society as tensions in the Iran conflict escalate.

She also pointed out that this issue is not getting enough attention, highlighting the dangers of ongoing threats linked to the situation in Iran. Her comments come as several members of the Democratic Party also condemned Trump’s statement, calling it extreme and unacceptable.