That speech didn’t age well. March 4, 2025. Below is a breakdown of several false or misleading claims, along with the facts for context.
“We won the popular vote by big numbers and won counties in our country 2,700 to 525.”
This is misleading. Trump did win the popular vote in 2024, but only by about 1.5%—one of the smallest margins in modern history.
“Illegal border crossings last month were by far the lowest ever recorded.”
False. February saw roughly 8,300 border encounters, which is not a historic low. In the early 1900s and again in the 1960s, annual crossings were significantly lower.
“Hundreds of thousands of illegal crossings a month… virtually all of them… murderers, drug dealers, gang members… released into our country.”
False. While crossings were elevated under Biden, there is no evidence that most migrants were criminals or came from prisons or mental institutions.
“I withdrew from the unfair Paris Climate accord, which was costing us trillions of dollars.”
False. The Paris Climate Agreement is nonbinding, and each country sets its own targets. Claims of “trillions” in costs come from industry-backed studies that ignore economic and environmental benefits.
“We ended the last administration’s insane electric vehicle mandate…”
False. There was no EV mandate under Biden—only incentives. Automakers were already transitioning to electric vehicles due to global market trends.
“For every one new regulation, 10 old regulations must be eliminated.”
False. There is no reliable evidence this was achieved. Independent studies show regulatory reductions were overstated compared to past administrations.
“We’ve ended weaponized government… a sitting president… prosecute[s] his political opponent like me.”
False. There is no evidence that Biden directed any prosecution against Trump.
“We inherited… an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare.”
False. The incoming administration inherited low unemployment, easing inflation, and steady economic growth.
“We suffered the worst inflation in 48 years… perhaps even in the history of our country.”
False. Inflation peaked at about 9% in 2022. That is high, but still below levels seen in the 1970s and in the period following World War II.
“Joe Biden… let the price of eggs get out of control.”
Misleading. Egg prices surged primarily due to a widespread bird flu outbreak, not presidential policy.
“We found hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud.”
Unproven. These claims rely on questionable calculations, miscategorized spending, and unsupported allegations.
“…$45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in Burma…”
False. The funding referenced was for scholarships in Myanmar and not tied to DEI programs.
“…$10 million for male circumcision in Mozambique…”
False. This funding supported a public health initiative aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS transmission.
“…$20 million for the Arab Sesame Street…”
False. Most funding for that program came from private foundations, not U.S. government grants.
“…$59 million for illegal alien hotel rooms in New York City…”
Misleading. New York City received federal support for migrant housing at standard rates—not luxury accommodations.
“Hundreds of thousands of federal workers… not showing up to work.”
False. Many federal employees work remotely. The figures cited are exaggerated.
“Our tax cuts gave us the most successful economy in the history of our country.”
False. While the economy performed well, it was not the strongest in U.S. history. Other periods had higher growth and lower national debt.
“Mexico and Canada… allowed fentanyl to come into our country at levels never seen before.”
False. The vast majority of fentanyl enters through Mexico, not Canada.
“We pay subsidies to Canada and Mexico of hundreds of billions of dollars.”
Misleading. Trade deficits are not subsidies, and the figures cited are significantly overstated.
“We have had $1.7 trillion of new investment… in just the past few weeks.”
Dubious. These claims appear to include recycled announcements, vague commitments, and investments tied to prior policies.
“1 in 10,000 children had autism… now it’s 1 in 36.”
Misleading. The increase is largely due to broader diagnostic criteria and improved detection, not necessarily a true surge in incidence.
“38,000 workers died building the Panama Canal.”
False. The actual death toll was under 6,000, and most were not American workers.
“Europe has spent more on Russian oil and gas than defending Ukraine.”
False. European military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine has exceeded its energy spending.
“We’ve spent perhaps $350 billion on Ukraine… [the EU] spent $100 billion.”
False. U.S. aid totals about $183 billion, while European support exceeds that amount.
“Biden has authorized more money… than Europe has spent by billions.”
Misleading. Europe has committed and spent more overall, though the timing and distribution of funds differ.