Unbelievable: AP’s Retraction of Misleading Story About Tulsi Gabbard

In a recent turn of events, the Associated Press (AP) found itself at the center of a controversy after publishing a misleading story that was later retracted. The story falsely claimed that Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic presidential candidate and current Director of National Intelligence (DNI), stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are “very good friends” focused on strengthening ties. In reality, Gabbard was referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident has sparked widespread criticism, highlighting the ongoing tensions between media outlets and public figures, particularly those aligned with the Trump administration.

Background of the Incident

The controversy began when AP published an article misquoting Tulsi Gabbard. The headline erroneously suggested that Gabbard had made remarks about Trump and Putin’s relationship, which quickly caught the attention of various media outlets and social media platforms. The story spread rapidly, creating a false narrative that necessitated a prompt response from Gabbard and her team.

Upon realizing the inaccuracy, AP issued a retraction, acknowledging the mistake and clarifying that Gabbard’s comments were actually about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the retraction, the damage had been done, with the initial story already circulating widely and contributing to misinformation.

The Role of Social Media and Public Reaction

The incorrect report gained traction across social media platforms, particularly on Twitter, where users shared and commented on the story. Among the prominent voices reacting to the incident was the Trump War Room, a Twitter account affiliated with Donald Trump’s political team. They criticized AP for misleading the public and emphasized the narrative of “Fake News” being an “enemy of the people,” a phrase frequently used by Trump and his supporters to discredit unfavorable media coverage.

The swift dissemination of the misleading headline underscores the power and speed of social media in shaping public perception. It also highlights the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining accuracy and credibility in the digital age.

Implications for Media Credibility

This incident raises significant concerns about media credibility and the responsibility of news organizations to ensure accuracy in their reporting. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, even a single erroneous headline can have far-reaching consequences. The retraction by AP serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and the need for media outlets to exercise caution in their reporting.

Moreover, the episode has further fueled the narrative of mistrust between certain political figures and the media. The term “Fake News,” popularized by Donald Trump during his presidency, continues to be a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it undermines trust in legitimate journalism.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Response

In response to the controversy, Tulsi Gabbard took to social media to address the situation. She clarified her statements, emphasizing that her remarks were about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, not Trump and Putin. Gabbard criticized AP for their mistake and called for greater accountability in journalism.

Gabbard’s response highlights the challenges faced by public figures in managing their public image, particularly when misrepresented by the media. It also underscores the importance of proactive communication strategies in addressing misinformation and setting the record straight.

The Broader Context: Media and Politics

The incident involving AP and Tulsi Gabbard is emblematic of the broader tensions between media organizations and political figures, especially those associated with Donald Trump. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has frequently clashed with the media, accusing them of bias and spreading false information.

These tensions reflect a larger struggle over the control of narratives and the role of media in shaping public discourse. As news consumption increasingly shifts to online platforms, the dynamics between media outlets and political figures continue to evolve, with significant implications for democratic processes and public trust.

The Importance of Media Literacy

In light of incidents like this, the importance of media literacy cannot be overstated. As consumers of news, individuals must be equipped with the skills to critically evaluate information, discern credible sources, and recognize misinformation. Media literacy empowers citizens to navigate the complex media landscape, making informed decisions and contributing to a more informed society.

Educational initiatives aimed at promoting media literacy are crucial in fostering a discerning public that can engage with news content critically. By enhancing media literacy, society can mitigate the impact of misinformation and strengthen democratic discourse.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Accuracy

The retraction of AP’s misleading story about Tulsi Gabbard serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and accuracy in journalism. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, media organizations have a critical responsibility to ensure that their reporting is factual and reliable.

For public figures, proactive communication and engagement with the public are essential in addressing misinformation and maintaining credibility. As the relationship between media and politics continues to evolve, fostering trust and transparency remains paramount.

Ultimately, the incident underscores the vital role of a free and responsible press in a democratic society. By upholding the principles of accuracy and accountability, media organizations can contribute to a more informed public and a healthier democratic process.

Unbelievable.@AP misled the public with a now-retracted story titled, “Gabbard says Trump and Putin are ‘very good friends’ focused on strengthening ties”.

DNI @TulsiGabbard was actually talking about Indian PM Narendra Modi.

The Fake News is an ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE! https://t.co/wQs3oYZ77b

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) March 18, 2025

@AP Misled the Public with a Now-Retracted Story Titled, “Gabbard Says Trump and Putin Are ‘Very Good Friends’ Focused on Strengthening Ties”.

So, you won’t believe what just went down! The Associated Press, or @AP, recently found itself in a bit of a pickle after publishing a story that claimed Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), said that Trump and Putin are “very good friends” who are all about strengthening ties. But hold on a second—I know what you’re thinking. How could this happen? Well, it turns out that the story was completely incorrect, leading @AP to retract it in a hurry.

The [Associated Press](https://www.ap.org) has long been a trusted source for breaking news and reliable information, but even the best sometimes slip up. Here, they mistakenly reported that Gabbard made comments about Trump and Putin’s friendship when, in reality, she was discussing something entirely different. It’s like ordering a pizza and getting a salad instead—totally unexpected and not what you signed up for!

DNI @TulsiGabbard Was Actually Talking About Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Okay, here’s where things get interesting. Tulsi Gabbard wasn’t discussing Trump and Putin at all. Instead, she was talking about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yes, you read that right! It seems there was a bit of a mix-up, and somewhere along the way, the wires got crossed. Gabbard’s actual comments were focused on strengthening ties with India, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the United States and India.

Can you imagine the confusion? One minute, you’re sharing insights about international diplomacy with India, and the next, you’re in the headlines for supposedly commenting on Trump and Putin. It’s a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—or, in this case, being quoted for the wrong topic.

This incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of miscommunication. For Tulsi Gabbard, it was a lesson in the unpredictability of public discourse. For @AP, it was a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a leading news organization.

The Fake News Is an ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!

We’ve all heard the phrase “fake news” thrown around, and this situation certainly adds fuel to that fire. When mistakes like this happen, it’s easy to see why some people become skeptical of the news they consume. But let’s take a step back for a moment. Is there a silver lining here? Absolutely!

Firstly, @AP’s decision to retract the story shows accountability. They recognized the mistake and took steps to correct it. In a world where fake news can spread like wildfire, it’s crucial for media outlets to own up to their errors and provide clarity. It’s like when you spill coffee on your shirt—you clean it up and move on, right?

Secondly, this incident serves as a reminder for all of us to be discerning consumers of news. With so much information available at our fingertips, it’s essential to verify facts and consider multiple sources. Don’t just take everything at face value; dig a little deeper to understand the full picture.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that while mistakes happen, not all news is fake news. There are countless journalists working tirelessly to bring us accurate and insightful stories every day. Let’s not lose sight of that amid the noise.

Conclusion: Navigating the World of News

So, what does all this mean for you and me? Well, it’s a reminder to stay informed, stay curious, and stay skeptical in the best way possible. Let’s keep asking questions, seeking out diverse perspectives, and recognizing the value of credible journalism.

And as for Tulsi Gabbard, I bet she’s ready to put this whole mix-up behind her and get back to focusing on what truly matters—building strong international relationships and navigating the complexities of global diplomacy.

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make sense of this fast-paced world. So, let’s continue to support each other, hold our media accountable, and strive for a well-informed society. After all, knowledge is power, and staying informed is our best defense against the ever-present challenges of misinformation.

[Source: AP News](https://www.apnews.com)
[Source: Tulsi Gabbard Twitter](https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard)
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