The Allegation
In late October 2025, Senator Ted Cruz claimed that MSNBC had broadcast footage from a 2017 event while reporting on the "No Kings" rally in Boston, rather than showing authentic footage from the current rally. The claim suggested the network engaged in deliberate journalistic deception to misrepresent crowd size or attendee composition at the recent event.
Context of the Rally
The No Kings rally was held in Boston in October 2025 as a significant political gathering. Coverage of the event appeared across multiple news outlets. Cruz's allegation focused specifically on MSNBC's handling of crowd footage, claiming the network substituted archival material to mislead viewers about the rally's actual attendance or atmosphere.
What the Investigation Found
PolitiFact examined the specific footage segments that Cruz cited as evidence. Detailed video analysis, cross-referencing with rally photographs, weather conditions, and venue logistics confirmed that the footage shown by MSNBC was indeed from the October 2025 No Kings rally, not from any 2017 event. The distinctive elements visible in the broadcast—banners, signage, attendee clothing consistent with fall weather, and venue-specific architectural features—all matched contemporary documentation of the rally.
Comparison and Details
Technical analysis of the video timestamps, background elements, and crowd composition provided strong evidence that contradicted Cruz's assertion. The footage was authentic to the date and location claimed by MSNBC. Multiple independent observers at the rally and contemporary news sources confirmed the authenticity of the broadcast material.
Context on Political Media Claims
Claims of news outlets using incorrect or archival footage circulate frequently in contemporary political discourse. While such errors do occasionally occur, they warrant careful verification before being amplified. In this instance, the evidence clearly demonstrates Cruz's claim was unfounded.
Fact-Checker Verification
PolitiFact and The Evidence Dispatch have independently investigated and determined that the footage was authentic.