Here’s a fact-checked summary of Donald Trump’s claims during his 100-minute address to Congress, highlighting inaccuracies, misleading statements, and self-congratulatory remarks:
Autism
Claim: Trump stated that autism rates have skyrocketed from 1 in 10,000 children to 1 in 36, suggesting “there’s something wrong.”
Fact-check: While it is true that autism diagnoses have increased, Trump’s comparison is misleading. In 2000, the rate was approximately 1 in 150, not 1 in 10,000. The current rate of 1 in 36 reflects improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and advances in medical understanding. Scientific consensus confirms that vaccines do not cause autism, despite Trump’s implication.
Ukraine
Claim: Trump asserted that the US has spent more on the war in Ukraine than Europe.
Fact-check: This is false. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the US has provided £94.6 billion in aid, while European countries have collectively allocated £109 billion. While the US is the largest single donor, Europe as a whole has contributed more.
Social Security Benefits
Claim: Trump claimed that millions of Americans over 100 years old, including some older than 160, are receiving Social Security payments.
Fact-check: This is misleading. While government records do show individuals listed as over 100 years old, a 2023 report confirmed that “almost none” are actually receiving payments. The Social Security Administration acknowledges data issues but states that payments are automatically stopped for anyone over 115.
Immigration and Borders
Claim: Trump said 21 million people “poured into the United States” over the past four years, many of whom were “murderers, human traffickers, gang members, and other criminals.”
Fact-check: This is exaggerated. Customs and Border Protection data shows approximately 14 million “migrant encounters” under the Biden administration, with around 118,000 involving individuals with criminal backgrounds. Trump also claimed his administration achieved “the lowest number of illegal border crossers ever recorded.” While apprehensions did drop significantly in January 2024, the claim of “ever” is false. For example, monthly averages in 1961 were far lower (1,752 arrests compared to 8,326 in January 2024).
Tariffs
Claim: Trump insisted his tariffs “are about making America rich again” and dismissed concerns about economic disruption.
Fact-check: Most economists disagree, arguing that tariffs act as tax increases, raising costs for consumers and potentially slowing economic growth. The Yale Budget Lab estimates that Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China could cost US households up to £2,000 annually, increase inflation by a full percentage point, and reduce economic growth by half a percentage point.
Self-Congratulatory Remarks
Trump repeatedly praised his own policies and achievements, claiming credit for economic growth, border security, and international leadership. However, many of these claims are either exaggerated or lack context. For example, while he boasted about reducing illegal border crossings, the data shows historical trends and external factors (such as pandemic-era policies) played a significant role.
Oh and Mice
Next time you’re wondering how dumb the MAGA crowd are, just remember this clip from last night’s speech is going viral amongst Trump fans.
For the record, it’s transGENIC mice. i.e. genetically modified mice, that are regularly used in medical research. Yet his low-info supporters will walk around today thinking the taxpayer is funding transgender mice.
And they continue to wonder why we mock them…
In summary, Trump’s address included a mix of falsehoods, misleading statements, and narcissistic self-congratulatory rhetoric. While some claims contain a kernel of truth, they are often exaggerated or taken out of context. Fact-checkers have highlighted these inaccuracies, underscoring the importance of scrutinising political statements with reliable data.
This summary is based on verified information from sources such as NBC News, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, and the Yale Budget Lab.
