Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Association with widely shared COVID-19 misinformation
A multi-university study placed Judicial Watch among the most-shared domains associated with false or misleading COVID-19 information on Twitter.
2017
Incorrect California voter-registration comparison
The organization claimed that numerous California counties had more registered voters than eligible citizens. The calculation counted inactive registrations and was criticized as misleading.
2014
False claims about ISIS camps in Mexico
Judicial Watch publicized claims that Islamic State had established camps in Mexico. The claims were widely repeated by right-wing outlets but were reported as false.
2013
Collaboration with Steve Bannon's film project
Judicial Watch paid Victory Film Project for District of Corruption, a film criticizing the Obama administration. Politico characterized the production as functioning more like promotional material for Judicial Watch than an independent documentary.
1998
Vince Foster conspiracy allegations
Judicial Watch helped promote allegations that Vince Foster, a former Clinton White House counsel, had been murdered by associates of the Clintons. Critics said the organization never supplied convincing evidence for the theory.