FACT CHECK: Viral Image Of Kash Patel Wearing Lucchese Boots Is Altered
A viral image shared on X purports to show Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), wearing a pair of Lucchese boots.
Trump’s new FBI Director selling boots 2 years ago. pic.twitter.com/RUFIv6hYIF
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) December 2, 2024
Verdict: False
The claim is false, as the image is digitally altered. The original image shown via an online store features a male model that clearly does not resemble Patel.
Fact Check:
Former FBI officials are concerned that Patel could have unlimited power if he is confirmed as Trump’s FBI director, according to The Guardian. Following Trump’s nomination of Patel, current FBI director Christopher Wray announced he would step down by the end of President Joe Biden’s term, ABC News reported.
The X image, which has amassed over one million views as of writing, purports to show Patel wearing a pair of Lucchese boots.
“Trump’s new FBI Director selling boots 2 years ago,” the image’s caption reads. In the image, Patel appears to wear a black leather jacket and matching pants along with the boots. The image also features “Lucchese Boots” and “Fight With Kash” logos.
The claim is false. A content detection scan using the website “TrueMedia.org” indicates the image shows “substantial evidence of manipulation” and has been digitally altered. Likewise, the original image shown via an online store features a male model that clearly does not resemble Patel.
In addition, Patel does not appear to have publicly commented on the image via his verified X account, @Kash_Patel. Lucchese Boots has not made any reference to the claim, either. (RELATED: No, Elon Musk Did Not Visit A Cafe Disguised As A Homeless Man)
Furthermore, Check Your Fact found no credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. On Dec. 17, Reuters debunked the claim, reporting the image was altered. According to Reuters, the image originated via a TRUTH Social account that is known for posting memes. Although the image was first posted in October 2022, it recently resurfaced, the outlet reported.
Check Your Fact has contacted a Trump spokesperson for comment.
