Kellyanne Conway's "alternative facts" comment sparks internet memes
Kellyanne Conway has introduced a new term to the 2017 meme lexicon: “alternative facts.”
In an interview with “Meet the Press” on Sunday, the counselor to President Trump defended Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s inaccurate claim that the 2017 inauguration was “the largest ever” by explaining that he was offering “alternative facts.” The Twitter-sphere went to town playing with that rationale.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary had some words to offer Ms. Conway:
📈A fact is a piece of information presented as having objective reality. https://t.co/gCKRZZm23c
— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) January 22, 2017
As did others, who poked fun at the expression on Twitter:
"It is not Monday. It is still the weekend. Period."#mondaymotivation #alternativefacts pic.twitter.com/XX3vbAbvk6
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) January 23, 2017
Tim O'Brien (@obrienillustration Instagram) has created perhaps the ultimate visual on #AlternativeFacts. https://t.co/S8QhYvh79y pic.twitter.com/MMD7yQ0dZ9
— Andy Revkin (@Revkin) January 23, 2017
The #Steelers played a great game with fantastic coaching. Can't wait to see them in the Super Bowl. #alternativefacts
— Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) January 23, 2017
Jokes about Conway’s rhetoric from stars like Courtney Love and Samantha Bee gained traction, leading the #AlternativeFacts hashtag to trend nationwide.
I've NEVER done any drugs in my life nor have I ever swore in public nor smoked a cigarette #alternativefact
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) January 23, 2017
Don't believe @ConanOBrien's height lies. Sam Bee is the tallest host in late night. #alternativefacts
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) January 22, 2017
As a member of the @backstreetboys, I had a love child with @BettyMWhite. #AlternativeFacts
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) January 22, 2017
WE WILL WIN GRAMMYS IN EVERY CATEGORY THIS YEAR #alternativefacts
— DNCE (@DNCE) January 23, 2017
But not all reactions were so jocular. Others voiced caution about the new administration’s interpretation of truth.
Note to new administration for the next four years: #AlternativeFacts are not a thing. (h/t @ZerlinaMaxwell)
— Planned Parenthood (@PPact) January 23, 2017
Kellyanne's "#AlternativeFacts" comment is revealing: this administration does not believe in truth. To them, whoever yells louder is right. pic.twitter.com/rOxumCCWEl
— Jonathan Riley (@JonRiley7) January 23, 2017
War is peace
— Dr. Craig Considine (@CraigCons) January 22, 2017
Freedom is slavery
Ignorance is strength
- George Orwell, 1984 #alternativefacts
Conway has yet to address her “alternative facts” comment, but was seen shortly after at the White House senior staff swearing-in ceremony.