Trump's Misleading Claims Ahead of State of the Union

Feb 24, 2026

90 min

Feb 24, 2026 23:30

FACT FOCUS: A look at Trump's false and misleading claims ahead of the State of the Union

## Economic Claims

President Trump has been promoting the U.S. as the "hottest country" economically, despite the economy not being "dead" before his term. The U.S. GDP grew 2.8% in 2024, outperforming most wealthy nations except Spain. However, GDP growth slowed to 2.2% in 2025, and inflation remains a concern. Job creation has also been sluggish, with only 181,000 jobs added in 2025, the lowest outside a recession since 2002.

## Investment Exaggerations

Trump claims the U.S. secured $18 trillion in investments, a figure lacking evidence. The White House lists a lower $9.6 trillion, including commitments from the Biden era. A study questions the realization of over $5 trillion in commitments from major trading partners.

## Immigration Misstatements

The president often links immigration to crime increases, yet FBI data does not support this. Studies show undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Trump's claim of 300,000 missing migrant children misrepresents a 2024 report on monitoring issues.

## Energy and Environment

Trump praises coal as "clean," though emissions remain a problem. He criticizes wind power as costly and harmful to birds, yet wind is a cheap energy source. The National Audubon Society sees climate change as a bigger threat to birds than wind turbines.

## Election and Crime Claims

Trump falsely insists he won the 2020 election, despite recounts and audits confirming Biden's victory. He also exaggerates his 2024 win as a "landslide." On crime, Trump claims credit for a drop in violent crime in 2025, but this trend began before his term. A study shows a 21% decrease in homicides from 2024 to 2025.

## Foreign Policy Assertions

Trump claims to have "solved" eight wars, a statement seen as exaggerated. While he has mediated international relations, the outcomes are not as definitive as he suggests.

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