FACT CHECK: Did David Berger Step Down As Marine Corps General Following A Conversation With Donald Trump?

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on Facebook purports U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger stepped down following a recent phone call with former President Donald Trump.

Verdict: False

The claim stems from a satirical website. There is no evidence supporting the claim.

Fact Check:

Former U.S. Marine Daniel Edmund Duggan has been accused of conspiracy for allegedly training Chinese military pilots, according to CBS News. A Marine Corps drill instructor, Staff Sgt. Steven T. Smiley, was also charged in the death of a recruit who endured boot camp training in “90-plus degree temperatures,” the Marine Corps Times reported.

The Facebook post purports Berger stepped down from his position as U.S. Marine Corps general following a recent phone call from Trump. The post further claims Berger told Trump he felt “out of the loop and in the dark” and could no longer effectively maintain his position as a result.

The claim is false. There are no credible news reports suggesting Berger stepped down from his role following a recent phone call from Trump. Likewise, the claim is not mentioned on the Marine Corps’ website or its verified social media accounts. In addition, neither Berger nor Trump has publicly commented on the purported claim.

A keyword search reveals the claim stems from a Dec. 15 article published on the website “Real Raw News.” A disclaimer included on the site’s “About Us” page indicates it contains “humor, parody, and satire.” (RELATED: Are Military Leaders Divided Over Their Support For Donald Trump And Ron DeSantis?)

Check Your Fact has contacted a Trump spokesperson for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

This is not the first time a satirical claim has been promoted as true. Check Your Fact previously debunked a social media post purporting 65 military officers, including Berger, received letters from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin instructing them to “surrender or else.”

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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