On Tuesday night, Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address ever, lasting over 101 minutes. He highlighted various achievements during the first year of his second term. However, many of his statements included claims that were misleading or outright false.
Let’s break down some key points from his speech:
Claims About the Economy
Trump claimed, “We are the hottest country anywhere in the world” and insisted that job numbers were at an all-time high. Yet, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the U.S. only added 181,000 jobs in 2025, far less than the millions averaged during his first term and Biden’s presidency. According to PolitiFact, this figure is significantly lower than typical job growth.
Trump also stated that $18 trillion in investments were flowing into the U.S. But a CNN review revealed that this included vague investment pledges rather than actual funds, with the White House listing real investments at around $9.7 trillion.
Misleading Claims on Crime
During the speech, Trump introduced the mother of Iryna Zarutska, who was tragically killed in a train incident. He claimed her assailant was a “hardened criminal” who had crossed the border. However, the man in custody, DeCarlos Brown Jr., is not an immigrant. Data indicates that U.S.-born citizens are more likely to be arrested for violent crimes than undocumented immigrants.
Energy Prices
Trump suggested energy prices were decreasing, but households saw a 6.7% increase in energy bills from 2024 to 2025. Despite his claims of cutting electricity costs in half, utility companies have raised rates, affecting millions of customers. A study from the Center for American Progress shows that costs may rise further due to his policies, potentially increasing rates by 18% by 2035.
Gas Prices
The president also touted low gas prices, asserting they were below $2.30 per gallon in many states. However, gas prices are reported to be higher than he claimed. According to AAA, only Oklahoma has gas at that price, while other states experience prices over $4.60. Recent environmental rollbacks could also lead to increased future prices.
War and Peace Claims
Trump made bold claims about ending conflicts, saying he had ended eight wars in less than ten months. In reality, the U.S. has been involved in peace efforts without necessarily concluding military engagements. Some conflicts he cited weren’t even classified as wars. Moreover, violence has continued in places like Gaza and between Thailand and Cambodia, where a ceasefire quickly fell apart.
Conclusion
While State of the Union speeches often feature ambitious claims, Trump’s address was marked by notable discrepancies between his words and the realities reflected in data. It’s crucial for citizens to critically evaluate such statements and seek out accurate information. Understanding these claims can help us better engage in discussions about our nation’s policies and direction. For more on this topic, you can read the detailed fact-check from PolitiFact.
