Fact Check

Did Pelosi Have Health Department Close Trump Plaza Hotel?

A routine review of content labeled satire.

Published Nov. 6, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 31: U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on October 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) (Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Image Via Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
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Claim:
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed a warrant ordering the New York Health Department to close Trump Plaza Hotel.

On Nov. 5, 2019, Potatriots Unite published an article positing that U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi signed a warrant ordering the New York Health Department to close Trump Plaza Hotel in Manhattan:

Pelosi Has Health Department Close Trump Plaza Hotel

The scene at the Trump Plaza Hotel in Manhattan yesterday was one of panic, confusion, and outrage as fifty-two health department officials descended on the landmark, ushering all guests and employees out and declaring the entire structure closed for operation. When Plaza management asked to see warrants for the closure, inspectors produced eight – each one signed by a federal judge – and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

This item was not a factual recounting of real-life events. The article originated with a website that describes its output as being humorous or satirical in nature, as follows:

Everything on this website is fiction. It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real. If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined. Any similarities between this site’s pure fantasy and actual people, places, and events are purely coincidental and all images should be considered altered and satirical.

For background, here is why we sometimes write about satire/humor.

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Sources

Potatriots Unite.   "Pelosi Has Health Department Close Trump Plaza Hotel."    5 November 2019.