FACT CHECK: Did John Lennon Call For The Election Of A ‘Business Man’ Like Trump?
An image shared on Facebook claimed that musician John Lennon once said that electing someone who isn’t a politician – “perhaps a business man” – was the “only way we are going to get ourselves out of the messes we’ve created for ourselves.”
“John Lennon endorses Donald Trump!!!!” the caption proclaims.
Verdict: False
The Daily Caller found no evidence of Lennon ever making such a statement. Furthermore, Lennon died in 1980, while the image claims he made this statement in 1981.
Fact Check:
While musicians and celebrities often wade into politics, this quote does not come from the late Beatle, who was assassinated in New York City on Dec. 8, 1980.
“I honestly beleive [sic] that the only way we are going to get ourselves out of the messes we’ve created for ourselves is to find strong and independent leaders,” the image claims Lennon said in 1981. “It’s going to take a revolution. Electing someone that isn’t a politician is the only way. Perhaps a business man.”
A search of interviews and other sources online returned no such instance of Lennon calling for a business man to be elected. (RELATED: Did Kurt Cobain Predict Trump’s Presidency?)
Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, made headlines for recording herself screaming in exasperation after President Donald Trump was elected in 2016.
Dear Friends,
I would like to share this message with you as my response to @realDonaldTrump
love, yoko pic.twitter.com/s1BqfUgfLr— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) November 11, 2016
