Fact Check: Did Trump Say 'Let Them Fight’? He Did, But In 2019, And Not About India-Pakistan Conflict

Fact Check: Is Delhi Rain ‘Fake’? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Geoengineering Claims Linked To Bill Gates

Bharathi SP — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:30:37 +0530

A sudden spell of rain and a noticeable drop in temperature across Delhi-NCR caught residents off guard on a March evening. But while meteorologists pointed to a routine weather system, social media quickly spun a different narrative—one that linked the showers to alleged “climate experiments” involving Bill Gates.

The Rise Of A Viral Theory

Posts across Instagram and WhatsApp claimed that aircraft were releasing particles into the atmosphere to manipulate sunlight and artificially cool the Earth. Some narratives went further, linking the phenomenon to initiatives associated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, framing the rain as part of a covert “testing agenda.”

The theory spread rapidly, tapping into broader anxieties around climate change, technology, and the influence of powerful global figures.

What Is Solar Geoengineering?

At the heart of the viral claims lies a real scientific concept: Solar Geoengineering. Also known as solar radiation management, it explores ways to reflect a portion of sunlight back into space to counter global warming.

Proposed techniques include dispersing fine particles like sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere—known as stratospheric aerosol injection—and marine cloud brightening, which involves making clouds more reflective using sea salt.

However, these ideas remain largely theoretical. There are no operational projects at a scale capable of influencing localised weather events like rainfall in Delhi.

Science vs. Speculation

Experts are clear that the recent weather shift was caused by a Western Disturbance, a common atmospheric system that brings rain and cooler temperatures to North India during this time of year.

There is no scientific evidence linking geoengineering experiments to the showers in Delhi-NCR. The viral theory, while rooted in real scientific discussions, stretches those ideas far beyond their current reality.

The Risks Of Geoengineering

Even though geoengineering is not behind Delhi’s rain, scientists caution that such technologies, if ever deployed, could carry significant risks. These include potential disruption of rainfall patterns, especially in monsoon-dependent regions like India, as well as complex ethical and governance challenges due to the lack of global oversight.

Another concern is “termination shock,” where abruptly stopping such interventions could lead to rapid temperature spikes.

Why The Debate Matters

The claims circulating online may be unfounded, but they highlight a deeper and growing concern: public awareness and unease about climate intervention technologies.

As the world struggles to address rising temperatures, the appeal of quick technological fixes is increasing. At the same time, mistrust of institutions and limited understanding of complex science can fuel conspiracy theories that blur fact and fiction.

Govt Fact Checks Deepfake Video Of Ladakh DGP After Sonam Wangchuk's Arrest

IANS — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:22:22 +0530

Srinagar: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check, the government's handle for busting fake news, said on Tuesday that a deepfake video is being circulated on social media showing Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh, S.S. Singh, claiming that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on the directions of the Defence Minister.

To set the record straight, PIB has posted the original video of Ladakh DGP’s press conference in which he shared details of Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest.

The PIB said in its fact check post on X, “A digitally altered video of Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh Dr. S.D Singh is circulating on social media, in which he is making claims that Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on the directions of the Indian Defence Minister without any evidence. “PIBFactCheck DGP Ladakh has made NO such statement”.

Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, and the Ladakh Police chief, S.D.Singh told reporters that he had been arrested for inciting violence in Leh town on September 24.

Four people were killed and 70 others were injured when police fired at the rioting arsonists in Leh town.

An equal number of security personnel were injured in stone pelting, beating and rioting by the unruly mob, police said.

The mob torched a CRPF vehicle with the intention of burning alive CRPF jawans sitting inside the vehicle, the Leh administration said.

The mob also torched the local BJP office and the office of the Leh Apex Body in addition to torching other vehicles and smashing the DGP’s vehicle as the police chief escaped with bruises.

Curfew was imposed in Leh on September 24, and the same is continuing with staggered relaxation.

Curfew was relaxed on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The MHA team arrived in Leh on September 24 and engaged the representatives of the Leh Apex Body in deliberations to continue the ongoing dialogue between the apex body and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The chairman of Leh Apex Nody, Thupstan Chhewang, told a press conference on Monday that there would be no dialogue with the MHA unless, what he claimed was the ‘atmosphere of fear, grief and anger’ in Ladakh, is addressed.

Sajjad Kargilli, member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), also held a press conference blaming the Ladakh administration for the violence of September 24.

Kargilli said the statehood and inclusion in the 6th schedule were ‘non-negotiable’ demands of the people of Ladakh.

Both the Leh Apex Body and the KDA have been spearheading an agitation for these demands. The two representative bodies have also demanded the unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk and other youth detained after the mob violence.

Meanwhile, the MHA issued a statement on Monday reasserting that the Government of India stands firm on its commitment to continue the dialogue with the Leh Apex body and that dialogue is the only way forward to address the issues raised by the representative body.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Exclusive: Akhilesh Jumps Barricades, Leads Opposition March To EC Amid Vote Looting Allegations

ABP News Bureau — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:08:14 +0530

In a dramatic turn of events in Delhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was seen climbing over police barricades as he led an opposition march to the Election Commission’s office. The protest, joined by leaders from Congress, TMC, Left parties, and others, centered on allegations of vote looting and irregularities in Meerapur. Akhilesh accused the government and police of colluding to stop voting through intimidation, even claiming officers fired revolvers to block voters. Despite the EC granting time for a 30-member delegation, around 300 MPs marched towards the office, only to be stopped by heavy police deployment. Yadav questioned why police were stationed in advance and why the EC has not acted on the evidence presented. The tension escalated as opposition MPs, including Dimple Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, sat on the road in protest after being denied further movement. The standoff highlights growing friction between the opposition and the Election Commission ahead of upcoming elections, with the Bihar issue now spilling into the capital’s streets. ABP News continues live coverage.

Indian Airspace Used By US During Op Midnight Hammer Against Iran? PIB Fact Checks Viral Claim

ABP Live News — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:16:18 +0530

The government on Sunday dismissed social media claims that suggested Indian airspace was used by the United States to launch aircraft during Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran.

The Press Information Bureau of India firmly refuted the claims and even shared a video of a press briefing addressed by Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US, wherein he outlined the actual route taken by the aircraft, which proves Indian airspace was not involved.

"Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE. Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer," a PIB post on X noted.

Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer #PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE

❌Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation… pic.twitter.com/x28NSkUzEh
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 22, 2025

The claims surfaced after the US bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, bringing itself into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and triggering fears of a wider regional conflict.

During a briefing on the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairperson General Dan Caine said that a large B-2 strike package comprised of bombers launched from the continental United States at midnight Friday into Saturday morning.

"As part of a plan to maintain tactical surprise, part of the package proceeded to the west and into the Pacific as a decoy, a deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders here in Washington and in Tampa," he said.

The main strike package consisted seven B-2 Spirit bombers, which had two crew members each. They proceeded to the east with minimal communications and flew undetected throughout the 18-hour flight and even completed multiple in-flight refueling.

"At approximately 5 pm Eastern Standard Time last night and just prior to the strike package entering Iran, a US submarine in the Central Command Area of Responsibility launched more than two dozen Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles against key surface infrastructure targets at Isfahan," he added.

Several deception tactics, including decoys, were employed by the US as the fourth and fifth generation aircraft flew in front of the strike package to sweep any enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile threats.

Russia and China have strongly condemned the US strikes on Iran and highlighted that the actions seriously violated the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The 27-nation European Union has urged all sides to step back and return to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep concern over Iran's conflict with Israel and called for immediate de-escalation of the situation through dialogue and diplomacy. The phone conversation was initiated by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hours after US bombings.

‘Obsessed’ Grandpa Suniel Shetty Shares Changing His Fitness Regime To Keep Pace With Baby Evaarah

ABP Live Entertainment — Mon, 26 May 2025 10:09:17 +0530

Actor Suniel Shetty is embracing a new chapter in life — that of a doting grandfather — and he's loving every moment of it. Following the arrival of his daughter Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul’s baby girl, Evaarah, Suniel has found a renewed purpose, one that’s making him alter his lifestyle and daily routine to cherish these early moments of grandparenthood.

In a heartfelt and candid conversation with Lallantop, the actor shared how his world now revolves around his granddaughter and how being a grandfather has even reshaped his fitness goals.

Suniel admits he's obsessed with his granddaughter

When asked about his bond with Evaarah, Suniel shared, “I’m obsessed with the baby. I keep checking my phone or running home every day. The most exciting part is that she’s going to move into the same building soon. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I’m even changing my workout schedule — I now finish everything by 6:30 am so that my duties as a grandfather can begin, while the others in the house are still resting.”

Suniel says he’s altered his training for baby Evaarah

He further added, “I’ve changed my training, too. I’m now focusing more on bending, lifting — all the things that’ll help keep my back strong. Because with babies, you have to pick them up again and again. People think I’m joking, but my training has actually changed because of this. As you age, the body tends to bend more, lower back issues crop up, legs get weaker. So my training is all about making sure I can walk straight, bend comfortably, and play with the kids — for as long as I’m around.”

Athiya and Rahul embrace parenthood

Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul welcomed their daughter on March 24 this year. The couple later introduced her to the world through a tender photo of Athiya gazing lovingly at her daughter, who was cradled in Rahul’s arms. The caption read: “Our baby girl, our everything. Evaarah/इवारा ~ Gift of God.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KL Rahul👑 (@klrahul)

Suniel Shetty’s recent and upcoming projects

On the work front, Suniel was last seen in Kesari Veer, directed by Prince Dhiman. The film, which featured Sooraj Pancholi, Vivek Oberoi, and Akanksha Sharma, received mixed-to-negative reviews, with criticism directed at its storyline and visual effects.

Next, Suniel will be seen in the highly anticipated Welcome to the Jungle, a multi-starrer featuring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Dutt, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, and Lara Dutta. The film is slated for a December release.

Fact Check: Video Of ‘Arms Recovered From Militants' Is From Myanmar, Not Manipur

Ankita Kulkarni — Sat, 24 May 2025 12:29:45 +0530

The Verdict [False]

The video was filmed in April 2025 in Myanmar during the Chin Brotherhood’s capture of Falam, showing weapons seized from regime forces.

What is the claim?

A video showing a cache of weapons and cash displayed on a green surface is being widely circulated on social media, with users claiming it was recorded during a recent crackdown by the Indian Army on militants in Manipur.

One such post on X by user Jitendra Pratap Singh, who has a history of spreading misinformation, shared the viral video with a Hindi caption that roughly translates to: “Big Breaking. Indian Army has recovered a huge cache of arms and cash from militants in Manipur. See.” Archived versions of similar posts on X are available here, here, here, and here.

The video has also spread on Facebook with similar claims. Those posts are archived here, here, and here.

Screenshot of viral posts circulating on social media. (Source: X/Facebook/Screenshot/Modified by Logically Facts)

The video began circulating shortly after Indian security forces killed 10 armed insurgents and recovered weapons and ammunition on May 14 along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Chandel district.

However, we found that the video is not related to Manipur, India. It was recorded in Myanmar and shows weapons seized by the Burma National Revolutionary Army.

What did we find?

A reverse image search of the viral video led to multiple Facebook posts from April 2025 (archived here, here, and here), featuring the same footage. The caption, written in Burmese, roughly translates to: “Ammunition and cash seized during the battle for Falam. #RedNewsAgency #REDNEWS #RNA.”

A closer examination of the video and related posts shows that the security personnel in the footage wear an emblem matching the logo of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), an armed resistance group in Myanmar.

Comparison between the badge visible on the security personnel's uniform and the BNRA logo. (Source: X/YouTube/Screenshot)

Additionally, a Google search led to a report by the Myanmar-based Tachileik News Agency that included a keyframe from the video. The report stated that on April 9, 2025, the Chin National Liberation Front announced the capture of Falam, a town in northern Chin State, Myanmar.

A Facebook post by Mandalay Free Press (archived here) included the same visuals and reported that Falam—the second-largest city in Chin State—was captured on April 7 following a five-month offensive by the Chin Brotherhood. The operation began on November 9, 2024, and culminated with the full takeover of the city by April 9, 2025. Chin Nationalists declared the area free from military control.

Since February 2021, Myanmar has been under military rule following a coup that ousted the democratically elected government.

A report by the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) also featured similar visuals and quoted a Chin Brotherhood spokesperson who said the group had seized numerous weapons, recovered bodies of regime soldiers, and captured several others.

These findings confirm that the video was recorded in Myanmar and is unrelated to any militant crackdown in Manipur, India.

The verdict

The viral video showing weapons and cash seized in Myanmar is being falsely shared as footage from a recent military operation in Manipur, India.

This report first appeared on logicallyfacts.com, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

Govt Fact-Checks Viral Claims Of Explosions In Udhampur, Drone Attack In J&K

ABP Live News — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:10:02 +0530

The government fact-checked viral claims being circualted on social media regarding explosions in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur and drones being spotted in several parts of the Union Territory following the ceasefire agreement by India and Pakistan.

A claim was being widely ciculated on social media on May 11 that heavy explosions were reported in Udhampur. When Press Information Bureau's fact-check unit investigated it, the claim turned out to be false.

"There have been no explosions in Udhampur. These rumours are being spread to create panic. Rely only on official government sources for accurate information," PIB said.

Claims of heavy #explosions in #Udhampur are circulating on social media #PIBFactCheck:

▶️ The claim is #FALSE

▶️There have been no explosions in #Udhampur

▶️ These rumours are being spread to create #panic

▶️ Rely only on official government sources for accurate… pic.twitter.com/cA14PQCa52
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 11, 2025

Another claim of drones being spotted in certain areas of Jammu and Kashmir was being ciculated on social media. The PIB has debunked these claims, calling the posts fake.

"This claim is fake. There is no drone activity in Jammu & Kashmir. Stay vigilant. Rely only on official sources for authentic information," PIB said after performing the fact check.

Social media posts claims that #drones have been spotted in certain areas of #Jammu & #Kashmir #PIBFactCheck

✅ This claim is #fake.

✅ There is no drone activity in Jammu & Kashmir

🔎Stay vigilant. Rely only on official sources for authentic information… pic.twitter.com/AxI3xXEQPJ
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 11, 2025

'First Calm Night In Recent Days'

India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after a "long night" of talks mediated by the United States. Soon after President Donald Trump announced this, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan have agreed to stop all firings and military action on land, air, and sea with effect from 5:00 PM on Saturday.

However, hours later, the arrangement came under severe pressure after India said Pakistan breached it. In a media briefing around midnight, Misri called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these ceasefire violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility.

On May 11, residents in Kashmir are said to have witnessed the first night in six das without the sound of aircraft, drones, and missiles flying overhead. There was no ceasefire violation reported from any sector along the Line of Control in Kashmir after 11 pm on Saturday, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

The Indian Army said on Monday morning that Jammu and Kashmir was peaceful last night with no hostilities between the Indian and Pakistani militaries along the Line of Control and the International Border. "No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days," it said.

Did Pakistan Capture Indian Female Pilot? Govt Fact-Checks Viral Claims

ABP Live News — Sun, 11 May 2025 12:03:54 +0530

The government has fact-checked a viral claim about an Indian female Indian Air Force pilot being captured by Pakistan. The image being circulated online is from June 2023, when an IAF Kiran trainer jet crashed in Karnataka. Two pilots of the lightweight aircraft (HAL HJT-16 Kiran) had a fortunate escape after ejecting from their plane before it crashed.

Reacting to false claims, the government said misinformation is being spread by pro-Pakistan handles. "Verify before you share. Don't fall for propaganda," it added.

Viral claim about Indian female Air Force pilot captured by Pakistan🚨#PIBFactCheck

❌ FAKE NEWS!

✅ The image being circulated is from June 2023 and thus OLD!
🔗https://t.co/eZdCZMhKLN

🔎Misinformation is being spread by pro-Pakistan handles. Verify before you share. Don't… pic.twitter.com/P9GsmxSmyU
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025

The government also warned against believing in combat gaming footage that is being shared as real footage of the recent India-Pakistan conflict. "Please don't fall prey to such propaganda posts," it urged social media users.

Another fake message is being shared with a verified link of the Ministry of Defence WhatsApp Channel. The message reads that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given instructions for civil preparedness in view of the India-Pakistan situation.

Fake message shared with verified link of MoD WhatsApp Channel

A message is circulating on #WhatsApp in the name of @DefenceMinIndia giving instructions for civil preparedness in view of the India-Pakistan situation#PIBFactCheck

❌ This message is #fake

✅ The Government… pic.twitter.com/UevcQUNVVl
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025

S-400 Defence System Intact, No IAF Pilot Captured: PIB Debunks Pakistan's Fake News Campaigns

ABP Live News — Sat, 10 May 2025 13:00:15 +0530

As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad launching a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks targeting 26 locations along the western borders for the second straight night on Friday, social media has been flooded with unverified claims, sparking panic and confusion among people in India.

Given the senitivity of the matter and the seriousness the ongoing situation holds, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Saturday fact-checked several claims being made on social media, aiming to debunk the misinformation, disinformation, and lies being pushed by Pakistan as part of a larger psychological warfare effort.

Here are some of the claims fact-checked by PIB on Saturday, May 10:

A post claiming that Pakistan destroyed India's S-400 air defence sytem was being circulated on social media. However, PIB found this claim to be fake and rejected all reports of destruction or any damage to an S-400 defence system as basless. This claim was also rubbished during a government press briefing today, where Col Sofiya Qureshi said: "Pakistan spread misinformation on social media, falsely claiming it had targeted the S-400 air defence systems at Adampur, Suratgarh, and Sirsa Air Force Stations, BrahMos base and others." "India strongly denies these false narratives," she stressed.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also asserted that the claims regarding India's air defence system were fake. "There is a claim that has been made that the S-400 base at Adhampur was destroyed; once again, that is completely false," he said at the briefing.
A post shared by Al Jazeera claimed that around 10 explosions took place near Srinagar Airport in Jammu and Kashmir. PIB has rejected this claim as fake and urged people to only rely on offiicial sources for authentic information. "Do not fall for these false claims intended to #mislead and cause confusion," it said.
A video claiming explosions at the Jaipur Airport was being circulated on social media. When PIB fact-checked it, it turned out that the claims were fake. The District Collector and Magistrate, Jaipur also issued a clarification regarding this, saying, "This news is baseless and misleading. Jaipur airport is completely safe."
Another video being circulated on social media claimed that an Indian post was destroyed in an airstrike by Pakistan. PIB investigated the video and found out that it was an old and unrelated video. It was originally uploaded on YouTube five years ago on November 15, 2020.
A claim that the Delhi-Mumbai airline route was temporarily closed for service due to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan was also fact-checked by PIB. The claim was found to be fake. "The Airports Authority of India has extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi & Mumbai Flight Information Regions due to operational reasons," PIB's Fact Check unit said.
Another claim of India's electricity grid becoming dysfunctional following a cyber attack by the Pakistani Army was being widely circulated. The PIB called the claims false, saying "Social media posts are asserting that a cyber attack by Pakistan caused 70 percent of India's electricity grid to become dysfunctional. The claim is fake".
Several "pro-Pakistan" social media accounts have been claimin that three Indian fighter jets crashed in different Himalayan regions, sharing an image of a crashed jet along with it. However, PIB called the claim fake, adding that the image is an old one and dates back to 2016.
Another video post claimed that an Indian pilot ejected from a fighter jet over Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The video's caption stated that the video was from PoK's Kotli. However, PIB fact-checked the video and called it fake. It also urged people to always verify before sharing anything and not to fall for misinformation.
As Pakistan continued to launch missiles and drones on Saturday, following escalations on Friday, rumours regading a missile attack on Delhi Airport began spreading among people. Amid this, an old video being falsely shared a footage of a missile strike on the airport was being circulated. When PIB investigated it, it turned out to be video from Aden in Yemen from August, 2024. The fact check unit said the video has "no connection to India-Pakistan situation".
A viral post claiming that the Bhatinda Airfield has been destroyed also created confusion among people. The government has clarified that the Bathinda airfield is "FULLY OPERATIONAL and there is NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER."
PIB Fact Check has also refuted that Indian Female Air Force pilot has been captured in Pakistan. "Pro-Pakistan social media handles claim that an Indian Female Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, has been captured in Pakistan. This claim is FAKE!" it said.
A video shared on social media claimed that India has carried out a drone attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. However, PIB's Fact Check unit has said that this claim is fake. "This claim is completely fake. Such content is created to spread communal hatred. Please be cautious. Do not forward such videos," it stated.
In another fact check, PIB rejected a post claiming that Indian soldiers are crying and abandoning their posts as the India-Pakistan war intensifies.

In a post on X, PIB Fact Check stated: "In an old video, it is being claimed that Indian soldiers are crying and abandoning their posts as the India-Pakistan war intensifies. This video was posted on Instagram on April 27 and is NOT related to the Indian Army! The video depicts students from a private defense coaching institute celebrating their selection into the Indian Army. The youth in the video reportedly became emotional with joy upon receiving news of their successful recruitment."

On Friday, PIB had fact-checked seven such claims, including fidayeen attack on army brigade in Jammu, drone attack in Jalandhar, destruction of Indian post, and bans on airport, among others.

"Indian media and social media users have been falling for misinformation. The fact-check unit of PIB put the record straight and debunked misinformation, disinformation and outright lies," it said.

Fact Check: Did Trump Say 'Let Them Fight’? He Did, But In 2019, And Not About India-Pakistan Conflict

Ishita Goel — Sat, 10 May 2025 11:35:34 +0530

The Verdict [Misleading]

A 2019 clip of Donald Trump discussing Taliban-ISIS clashes is being falsely shared as him endorsing the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.

What is the claim?

A video of U.S. President Donald Trump is circulating widely on social media, purportedly showing him encouraging India and Pakistan to continue fighting amid recent military escalations, including reported drone attacks, cross-border shelling, and alleged missile attacks.

In the video, Trump is heard saying, “... and they're fighting each other. I said, ‘Why don't you let them fight?’ Why are we getting in the middle of it? I said, ‘Let them fight. Sir, we wanna do it.’ They go in, and they end up fighting both of them. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. Let them fight.”

The video (archived here and here) has been shared with captions such as, “'Let Them Fight' – Trump on India and Pakistan.” Another version of the post (archived here) reads, “Trump is right. Let India cleanse Pakistan of terrorism!” Additional archive links of similar posts are available here and here.

Screenshots of the viral posts circulating on social media. (Source: YouTube/X/Screenshots/Modified by Logically Facts)

India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran Valley that killed 26 people. Since then, tensions have escalated, with both nations reportedly exchanging cross-border fire.

However, we found that the viral video is old and unrelated to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

What are the facts?

Using reverse image search, we identified a longer version of the video posted by the Trump White House Archive on January 3, 2019 (archived here), titled “President Trump Leads a Cabinet Meeting.” The footage seen in the viral clip appears at the 1:17:12 mark.

In the original video, Trump says, “... and they're fighting each other. I said, ‘Why don't you let them fight?’ Why are we getting in the middle of it? I said, ‘Let them fight. They're both our enemies. Let them fight.’ ‘Sir, we want to do it.’ They go in and they end up fighting both of them. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen.”

Notably, a key line—“They're both our enemies. Let them fight.”—was edited out of the viral video.

Moreover, just before making those remarks, Trump was referring to the Taliban and the Islamic State (ISIS), not India and Pakistan. The full context confirms that Trump was discussing conflicts in Afghanistan.

The official transcript of the speech, available in the Trump White House archives, corroborates this context. During the meeting, Trump was asked about Afghanistan and the Taliban, including the potential roles of countries such as India. In response, he said, “But why isn't Russia there? Why isn't India there? Why isn't Pakistan there? Why are we there, and we're 6,000 miles away? But I don't mind. We want to help our people. We want to help other nations. You do have terrorists, mostly Taliban, but ISIS. I mean, I'll give you an example. So, the Taliban is our enemy. ISIS is our enemy. We have an area that I brought up with our generals four or five weeks ago, where Taliban is here, ISIS is here, and they're fighting each other.”

This statement precedes the excerpt seen in the viral video, making it clear that Trump was referring to ISIS and the Taliban, not India and Pakistan. At no point in the video does he mention the India-Pakistan conflict.

Ongoing India-Pakistan clash

Trump has commented on the current India-Pakistan tensions. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he described the situation as a long-standing, historical dispute in the region. After India’s retaliatory strikes, Trump said, “It’s a shame, we just heard about it,” and added, “I just hope it ends very quickly.” On May 7, he remarked, “They've gone tit-for-tat, so hopefully they can stop now,” noting that he knew leaders on both sides “very well” and expressing a willingness to help: “If I can do anything to help, I will be there.”

The verdict

A 2019 video of Donald Trump referring to clashes between ISIS and the Taliban in Afghanistan has been misleadingly edited and circulated with the false claim that he was speaking about the current conflict between India and Pakistan. The video is not related to recent events and has been taken out of context.