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Fact-Checking Trump’s March 4, 2025, Address to Congress On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed Congress in a high-profile speech, laying out his administration’s priorities while sharply criticizing the previous administration. However, a closer examination reveals that many of his statements were inaccurate, exaggerated, or misleading. Here’s a detailed fact check of key claims from the speech: 1. Illegal Border Crossings – Historical Comparison What Trump Said: February saw the “lowest illegal border crossings ever recorded.” The Facts: While February’s numbers were relatively low, U.S. Border Patrol recorded lower monthly totals in the 1960s, making Trump’s statement false. 2. 21 Million Migrants Entering the U.S. What Trump Said: “21 million people poured into the U.S. over the past four years.” The Facts: This number counts multiple crossings by the same individuals and includes expulsions under pandemic rules—not permanent arrivals. 3. Tariffs as Economic Fix-All What Trump Said: Tariffs will “make America rich again” without raising costs. The Facts: Economists overwhelmingly predict tariffs would increase inflation, reduce growth, and cost households about $1,600 per year. 4. Social Security Fraud and Centenarians What Trump Said: Millions of deceased individuals, including those over 130 years old, are still receiving benefits. The Facts: Outdated Social Security records exist, but there is no evidence these records result in fraudulent payments. 5. Inherited Inflation and Economic Crisis What Trump Said: His administration inherited “the worst inflation in 48 years.” The Facts: Inflation peaked at 9.1% in 2022 (a 40-year high), but it had fallen significantly before Trump took office. 6. Electric Vehicle Mandate What Trump Said: His administration repealed an “insane EV mandate.” The Facts: No such mandate ever existed—there were only voluntary, nonbinding federal goals to encourage EV adoption. 7. Army Recruitment Record What Trump Said: Army recruitment hit record highs under his leadership. The Facts: Official data shows recruitment remains below targets, despite policy changes. 8. Aid to Ukraine What Trump Said: The U.S. gave ”$350 billion” to Ukraine, while Europe contributed only ”$100 billion.” The Facts: Actual U.S. aid is around $121 billion, while Europe has provided roughly $140 billion—more than Trump claimed. 9. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) What Trump Said: DOGE uncovered “hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud.” The Facts: Verified savings amount to less than $20 billion, and no documented fraud was found. 10. Poll Numbers and National Sentiment What Trump Said: For the first time, “more Americans believe the country is on the right track than the wrong track.” The Facts: Most major polls still show a majority believes the U.S. is on the wrong track. 11. Transgender Athletes and Federal Funding What Trump Said: Schools allowing transgender athletes would lose federal funding. The Facts: This is not yet law, and legal experts predict major court challenges. 12. Autism Rates Over Time What Trump Said: Autism rates rose from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 36 “in recent years.” The Facts: The 1 in 10,000 figure comes from outdated studies before modern diagnostic standards existed. 13. Iron Dome for the U.S. What Trump Said: The U.S. now has an Iron Dome-like missile defense system. The Facts: No such nationwide system exists; Israel’s Iron Dome only protects small areas. 14. Mental Institution Releases at the Border What Trump Said: Migrants from “insane asylums and mental institutions” were released into the U.S. The Facts: No evidence supports this; it is a long-debunked conspiracy theory. 15. Fentanyl from Canada What Trump Said: Canada allows fentanyl to “flood into the U.S.” The Facts: Less than 1% of seized fentanyl comes from Canada—most enters through Mexico. 16. U.S. Energy Reserves What Trump Said: The U.S. has more “liquid gold under our feet” than any other nation. The Facts: Venezuela and Saudi Arabia have significantly larger proven oil reserves. 17. Panama Canal Death Toll and Control What Trump Said: “38,000 Americans died building the Panama Canal,” and Panama handed control to China. The Facts: About 5,600 workers died (mostly non-American), and Panama—not China—controls the canal. Sources and Documentation: AP News Fact Check - March 5, 2025 https://apnews.com/article/3bea1df50167ac0a91f8c419b58c4b97 The Guardian Fact Check - March 5, 2025 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/05/trump-congress-address-fact-check FactCheck.org - March 5, 2025 https://www.factcheck.org/2025/03/factchecking-trumps-address-to-congress-2 NPR Fact Check - March 5, 2025 https://www.npr.org/2025/03/04/g-s1-50488/trump-congress-joint-address-fact-check