**Viral News Snippet:**

Viral News Snippet:

🚨 BREAKING: MASSIE PRIMARY RESULTS SPARK CHAOS—CLINTON SUPPORTERS ALLEGE ‘DIGITAL RIGGING’ AS PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL MASSIE FALLS TO UNKNOWN CANDIDATE

Fact-checker’s note: This is a FAKE scenario for demonstration purposes. No such primary has occurred.

What’s going around: Claims are spreading on X and TikTok that former presidential candidate Thomas Massie (R-KY) was ousted in a surprise primary upset by a little-known tech entrepreneur named “A.I. Maya” —allegedly, a deepfake avatar powered by artificial intelligence. The narrative suggests that voter data was manipulated, with ballots mysteriously switching from Massie to Maya in rural precincts without internet access.

Fact-check verdict: 🔴 FALSE. The Kentucky Board of Elections and the Massie campaign have both confirmed that no primary election has taken place relating to Thomas Massie in 2025. The image of a “Massie Primary Results” graphic circulating online is a fabricated screenshot from an unknown source. No registered candidate named “A.I. Maya” appears in any state election database. This appears to be a hoax designed to stir distrust in digital voting systems—a recurring theme in disinformation playbooks.

What we know: The post originated from a satirical account known for creating fictional election drama, but was shared by multiple accounts without context, causing temporary panic among Massie’s supporters. The “rigged” narrative exploits pre-existing fears about AI and election security, but no evidence of actual hacking, deepfake candidates, or primary votes exists.

Bottom line: If you see a claim about a “Massie Primary”—ignore it. It’s a test of how easily viral lies can mimic breaking news. Always check official state election websites before believing