Fact-checking Trump’s State of the Union address

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday, just over a year into his second term. The speech highlighted sweeping policy changes and executive actions that have shaped America’s current moment, including global tariffs, immigration enforcement, and tensions with Iran.

Despite facing a high disapproval rating of 60% in his second term, Trump used the address to make his case for re-election and address key issues facing the nation. With midterm elections approaching in November, Trump rolled out several new measures aimed at addressing affordability and boosting the U.S. economy.

During his speech, ABC News live fact-checked some of the president’s statements. One claim that was fact-checked was Trump’s assertion that “zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States in the past nine months.” While crossings at the southern border have decreased significantly under Trump’s administration, the number has not reached zero as he suggested. The data shows a drastic drop in border crossings since the Biden administration, but migrants are still attempting to cross, and some may have gone unnoticed.

Another claim by Trump was that his administration has driven core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years. While inflation has decreased in recent months, it has not led to reduced prices across the board. Trump’s tariffs have impacted the cost of everyday products like fresh produce, beef, and coffee, with ground coffee prices rising by 34% in the past year.

Overall, Trump used his State of the Union address to highlight his administration’s achievements and lay out his vision for the future of America. As the nation heads into the midterm elections, the president’s speech sets the tone for the upcoming political battles and policy debates that will shape the country’s trajectory in the years to come. The impact of tariffs on the economy is undeniable, but there are other factors contributing to increased costs for Americans. According to data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, energy prices have risen by 6.3% from January 2025 to January 2026. This increase can be attributed to the growing demand for energy to power AI technology, including data centers.

President Donald Trump recently claimed that he secured commitments for over $18 trillion in investments from around the world in just 12 months. However, this claim lacks evidence and it is unclear where the $18 trillion number is coming from. The White House has stated that they secured $9.6 trillion in domestic and foreign investments since Trump took office for his second term. But upon closer inspection, it appears that this figure may be inflated, as it includes sums from various sources, such as a $1.2 trillion “foreign investment” from Qatar that was actually an economic exchange agreement rather than a direct investment.

Another claim made by Trump was that he lowered prescription drug prices in the US from the highest in the world to the lowest. While most favored nation pricing policies have been implemented to tie drug prices in the US to those in other wealthy countries, the overall impact on drug prices has been limited. While some discounts and lower cash prices have been observed for certain drugs, the policy has not significantly reduced prices across the entire market. Other factors, such as direct negotiations with manufacturers and discount efforts like TrumpRX, have also contributed to minor reductions in drug prices, but the overall cost of prescription drugs in the US remains high.

It is important to consider all the factors contributing to increased costs for Americans, including tariffs, energy prices, and healthcare expenses. While efforts have been made to reduce costs in certain areas, there is still work to be done to ensure that Americans have access to affordable goods and services. 7 had no criminal convictions or pending charges, contradicting Trump’s claim that drug lords and murderers are blocking the removal of criminals from the country. This data suggests that the majority of detainees in immigration detention facilities are not violent criminals, but rather individuals who have violated immigration laws.

In response to Trump’s claims, immigration advocates have criticized the administration’s focus on detaining and deporting non-criminal immigrants, arguing that resources would be better spent on targeting individuals with a history of violent or serious criminal offenses. They argue that the current immigration enforcement policies are unnecessarily harsh and fail to prioritize public safety.

Overall, the data from ICE contradicts Trump’s assertions about the criminal backgrounds of detainees in immigration detention facilities. The majority of individuals being detained are not convicted criminals, but rather individuals who have violated immigration laws. This raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of current immigration enforcement policies and the need for a more nuanced and targeted approach to immigration enforcement. intelligence officials reiterated that Iran remains a top national security priority due to its continued efforts to enhance its nuclear capabilities. The Biden administration has been engaged in negotiations with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which former President Trump withdrew from in 2018.

While Trump’s claim that the U.S. “wiped out” Iran’s nuclear program is exaggerated, it is true that significant damage was done to key facilities. However, the program has not been completely eradicated, and Iran has shown signs of rebuilding and continuing its nuclear activities.

Overall, Trump’s claims about rampant election cheating, crime rates in Washington, D.C., and the status of Iran’s nuclear program do not fully align with the facts. It is important to fact-check and verify information to ensure accurate reporting and understanding of complex issues.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is leading negotiations with Iran on behalf of former President Donald Trump, has expressed a newfound urgency in addressing the situation. In a recent pre-taped interview with Lara Trump that aired on Fox News, Witkoff highlighted the imminent threat posed by Iran’s potential acquisition of industrial-grade bomb-making material.

“They’re probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, and that’s really dangerous. So, [we] can’t have that,” Witkoff emphasized during the interview.

The urgency in addressing Iran’s nuclear capabilities comes amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Former President Trump has suggested that Iran has not unequivocally declared that they will never seek to develop a nuclear weapon. However, fact-checking reveals that Iran has repeatedly stated its commitment to not pursuing nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently reiterated on social media that Iran will never develop a nuclear weapon under any circumstances. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also emphasized in a speech to the United Nations that Iran has never sought to build a nuclear bomb. These statements align with Iran’s longstanding position on nuclear non-proliferation.

Despite Iran’s assurances, concerns persist among UN watchdogs and some world leaders regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions. The need for diplomatic engagement and verification mechanisms to ensure compliance with international agreements remains critical in addressing these concerns.

In another claim, former President Trump asserted that he had ended eight wars during his first ten months in office. However, a fact-check reveals that this claim is mostly false. While Trump played a role in brokering ceasefires and peace agreements in various regions, many of the conflicts have not been permanently resolved.

For example, the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand saw a temporary ceasefire brokered by Trump, but tensions resurfaced later. Similarly, the peace deal signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda has faced challenges due to ongoing violence involving rebel factions.

In the case of India and Pakistan, a ceasefire exists, but India has not credited Trump for his role in bringing about peace. Despite Pakistan nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, India denies the administration’s involvement in resolving the conflict.

While Trump’s claims of ending eight wars highlight diplomatic efforts during his presidency, the complexities of these conflicts and the ongoing challenges underscore the need for sustained engagement and multilateral cooperation to achieve lasting peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. The diplomatic advancements made under the Trump administration have been praised by leaders of both countries involved in the peace process. European leaders have also commended the administration for its role in setting the countries on the path to peace. ABC News’ Mariam Khan reported on the positive feedback received by President Trump for his efforts in facilitating peace talks.

One claim made by President Trump regarding the Somali community has been fact-checked and found to lack evidence. The president stated that the Somali community has pillaged an estimated $19 billion from American taxpayers. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. The figure appears to be a misinterpretation of a statement made by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson in December 2025.

Thompson had mentioned that a significant portion of the $18 billion in federal funds supporting Minnesota social services programs may have been stolen. However, he did not provide evidence to back up this claim. The Justice Department has only brought charges related to about $300 million in fraudulent payments linked to a food assistance program in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investigation into these fraudulent activities began during the Biden administration and has since expanded. A total of 92 individuals were charged in the case, including 82 Somali Americans. It is important to note that these 82 individuals represent only a small fraction of the estimated 100,000 Somali Americans living in Minnesota, the majority of whom are U.S. citizens.

In conclusion, while President Trump has been credited for his role in diplomatic advancements, it is crucial to fact-check claims made by any political figure. The lack of evidence to support the president’s statement regarding the Somali community highlights the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions. ABC News’ Diana Paulsen provided additional context to the fact-checking process in her report. The Importance of Mental Health in Today’s Society

Mental health is a topic that is gaining more and more attention in today’s society, and for good reason. The importance of mental health cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and quality of life.

One of the key reasons why mental health is so important is its impact on our physical health. Research has shown that poor mental health can lead to a variety of physical health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. This is because our mental and physical health are closely interconnected, and when one suffers, the other is likely to follow suit.

In addition to its impact on physical health, mental health also plays a significant role in our emotional well-being. Poor mental health can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and overall dissatisfaction with life. This can have a ripple effect on our relationships with others, our performance at work or school, and our ability to enjoy the things we love.

Furthermore, mental health is important for our overall quality of life. When we are mentally healthy, we are better able to cope with the stresses and challenges of everyday life. We are more resilient in the face of adversity, and we are better equipped to handle the ups and downs that life throws at us.

It is also important to recognize that mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. Just as we take care of our physical health by eating well and exercising, we must also take care of our mental health by practicing self-care, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, it is more important than ever to prioritize our mental health. This means taking the time to check in with ourselves regularly, seeking help when needed, and making our mental well-being a priority in our lives.

By recognizing the importance of mental health and taking steps to care for our mental well-being, we can lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. It is time to destigmatize mental health and prioritize it in our society, for the benefit of all.