FACT CHECK: Claim That Robot Dog Mauled Marine At Mar-A-Lago Is Satire
A post shared on Facebook claims a U.S. Marine was purportedly mauled by a robot dog at President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
Verdict: False
The claim is false and originally stems from a Dec. 11 article published on the satire site “Real Raw News.”
Fact Check:
Trump and his Republican allies, including Vice President-elect and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, attended the 125th Army-Navy football game on Dec. 14, according to The Associated Press. Trump, who watched the game from a suite, was met with chants of “USA,” the outlet reported.
The Facebook post claims a U.S. Marine was purportedly mauled by “Spot,” a robot dog that protects Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. According to the same post, the Marine was patrolling the perimeter when he heard a noise, went to investigate, and was attacked by the robot dog. The Marine was purportedly taken to the hospital following the alleged assault, the post further claims.
The claim is false and originally stems from a Dec. 11 article published on the satire site “Real Raw News.” A “Disclaimer” included on the site’s “About Us” page indicates its content is not meant to be taken literally. “Information on this website is for informational and educational and entertainment purposes. This website contains humor, parody, and satire. We have included this disclaimer for our protection, on the advice [of] legal counsel,” the disclaimer reads.
Likewise, Check Your Fact did not find the claim referenced on Trump’s official website, his TRUTH Social account, or his verified social media accounts. The U.S. Marine Corps also does not appear to have publicly commented on the claim.
In addition, Check Your Fact found no credible news reports to support the claim. (RELATED: Donald Trump Did Not Nominate Wisconsin Senator As Ambassador To Mexico)
Although the claim is false, robotic dogs have been added to Trump’s security detail at his Mar-a-Lago residence, USA Today reported. The robotic dogs, which are considered “Secret Service assets,” feature mounted cameras and signs reading, “DO NOT PET,” according to the outlet.
Check Your Fact has contacted a Trump spokesperson for comment.