The present study did three searches between 2016 and 2018 on Facebook posts that shared the 'dumb Republicans meme' that involved Trump and found 73 relevant posts for the sample size. These posts were placed into three groups:

- posts where the actual meme was reposted by users
- posts where there was only a reference to the meme regarding 'dumb Republicans'
- posts where only an allusive reference was made to the meme in a non-explicit way

Additionally, the Facebook users publicly identified as either pro- or contra Trump.

Present Study of Audience Uptake of the Trump Fake-Quote

The below fake-quote involves false words attributed to Donald Trump that was claimed to have been said in a magazine in 1998. Although the fake-quote was discredited within a month after it came out (October 2015), the quote/meme has still been shared continuously over the Internet.

Saint Louis University

When someone quotes what has claimed to have been said by another individual, but this "fake quoter" has actually fabricated the words themselves. This is usually done with the intent to deceive. 

Fake-Quoting

Kirner-Ludwig, M. (2020). Creation, dissemination and uptake of fake-quotes in lay political discourse on Facebook and Twitter. Journal of Pragmatics, 157, 101-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pragma.2019.07.009

Creation, dissemination and uptake of fake-quotes in lay political discourse on Facebook and Twitter

Below is an example of a fake-quote creator publishing a fake-quote on Twitter.

Example of a Fake Quote 

Recipients who view a fake-quote and decide to spread it, whether or not they realize the quote is untrue, can lead to a further spread in misinformation. Some who spread fake-quotes may do so in favor of the fake-quote creator's personal agenda. However, even after it may be revealed that the quote is false, some individuals may still choose to spread and believe the fake-quote willingly.

Dissemination of a Fake-Quote by Recipients

Fake-Quote Case Study: the 'dumb Republicans meme'

The fake-quote creator redefines the quote itself, resulting in the meaning behind the quote to become tailored to the fake-quote creator's personal agenda.

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