noun
ca·nard kə-ˈnärd also -ˈnär
1a: a false or unfounded report or story
especially : a fabricated report
The report about a conspiracy proved to be a canard.
b: a groundless rumor or belief
the widespread canard that every lawyer is dishonest
2: an airplane with horizontal stabilizing and control surfaces in front of supporting surfaces
also : a small airfoil in front of the wing of an aircraft that can increase the aircraft's performance
Making broad, unsubstantiated accusations against Springfield’s Haitian community and then suggesting, based on those accusations, that the members of the Haitian community are destroying their new home, illustrates just how easily slogans might influence political and policy outcomes.
At its core, this canard should be seen as part of a crusade to build support for not only closing the door to immigrants, but for throwing them out of the country.
Charles Blow, Trump’s Bogus Claims About Haitians Are Part of a Bigger Agenda