Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims in His Annual Address

Tehran - BORNA - Trump broke the record for the longest “State of the Union” address since the American Presidency Project began tracking such speeches in 1964. His speech, delivered before Congress, blended aspirations with sweeping claims.

In a report analyzing the address, CNN wrote that Trump falsely claimed to have ended eight wars during the first 10 months of his return to the White House. While he may have played a role in temporarily easing certain disputes, the figure “eight” appears highly exaggerated.

Questionable Claims of Ending Wars

Trump included in his list an alleged “war” between Egypt and Ethiopia — a reference to a longstanding diplomatic dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, rather than an actual armed conflict.

He also cited tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, despite no war taking place during his presidency. While Trump has occasionally claimed he prevented a new conflict between the two sides, such assertions differ from ending an active war.

The list further mentioned conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, although fighting reportedly continued despite a 2025 peace agreement brokered by his administration that was never signed by a key rebel coalition.

Another cited example involved Thailand and Cambodia, where clashes reportedly occurred even after a U.S.-mediated peace deal earlier in 2025.

CNN noted that debate remains over Trump’s role in resolving other conflicts and whether some were truly concluded. He also suggested that the war in Gaza had “virtually ended” following an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — a characterization disputed by ongoing reports of violence.

“Migrant Killers” Claim

Trump also alleged that former President Joe Biden allowed 11,888 “killers” to enter the United States as migrants.

However, according to CNN, Trump misrepresented federal data. The figure appears to refer to non-citizens convicted of homicide over several decades — including during Trump’s own first term — who remain in the United States. Many are serving prison sentences or are listed in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) records, contrary to claims that they are freely roaming the country.

Tariffs and Economic Claims

Trump reiterated his longstanding assertion that tariffs are “paid by foreign countries.” In reality, tariffs are paid by U.S. importers, who often pass part of the costs on to consumers. While foreign exporters may sometimes lower prices to stay competitive, analyses show that most tariff costs are borne by American businesses and consumers.

Minnesota Fraud Allegation

Trump claimed that Somali residents in Minnesota had defrauded taxpayers of $19 billion. In December, federal prosecutor Joseph Thompson stated that “half or more” of $18 billion in federal funds distributed to 14 high-risk service providers in Minnesota could potentially involve fraud. However, Thompson did not attribute all alleged fraud to Somali residents, and state officials challenged aspects of his claim.

Election Fraud Narrative

Trump again asserted that election fraud is widespread in the United States and urged Congress to require voter ID and proof of citizenship at registration. However, studies consistently show that voter fraud constitutes only a tiny fraction of ballots cast. While mail-in voting may carry slightly higher fraud risks than in-person voting, experts emphasize that documented cases remain rare.

Workforce and Social Security Tax

Trump claimed more Americans are working than ever before, though economists note that workforce size naturally increases alongside population growth, making raw employment figures an incomplete measure of labor market health.

He also stated that he had eliminated taxes on Social Security benefits. In reality, legislation signed last summer created a temporary $6,000 additional tax deduction for individuals aged 65 and older, expiring in 2028. Millions of Social Security recipients still pay taxes on benefits, and the measure does not apply to recipients under 65.

The “$18 Trillion Investment” Claim

Trump repeatedly asserted that his administration secured $18 trillion in investment commitments. However, White House figures referenced “major investment announcements” totaling $9.7 trillion — a number that CNN reported includes broad pledges, trade-related commitments, and non-binding statements that may not constitute direct U.S. investment.

Gas Prices

Trump claimed gasoline prices were below $2.30 per gallon in most states and as low as $1.99 in some areas. However, available data indicated that no state had an average price below $2.37 per gallon at the time referenced.

Inflation and Tax Cuts

Trump alleged he inherited record-breaking inflation from Biden and described it as the worst in U.S. history. While inflation surged during Biden’s presidency, economists note that it did not reach the highest levels ever recorded in American history.

He also claimed to have enacted the largest tax cut in U.S. history through his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation’s tax reductions would total $4.8 trillion over a decade — about 1.3% of GDP — significant but not the largest in U.S. history.

Immigration and Crime

Trump incorrectly described the suspect in the killing of Irina Zaroutska in North Carolina as a migrant who entered through “open borders.” The arrested suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr., is not an immigrant.

Data consistently show that U.S.-born citizens are statistically more likely than undocumented immigrants to be arrested for violent or drug-related crimes.

Medicaid and Crime in Washington

Trump pledged to “always protect Medicaid,” yet the legislation he signed is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion over a decade and increase the number of uninsured Americans by at least 7.8 million.

He also claimed crime in Washington, D.C., is at its lowest level ever and that homicides had dropped nearly 100% year-over-year in January. Metropolitan Police data indicate homicides were down approximately 67% compared to the same period the previous year — a significant decline, but not nearly 100%.

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