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President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history Tuesday night, using the nationally televised speech to celebrate his economic agenda and immigration crackdown while repeatedly attacking Democrats and the previous administration.
Throughout the address, Trump made a series of exaggerated, misleading and false claims on topics ranging from inflation and crime to taxes, elections and global diplomacy.
Here’s a breakdown of what the president got right — and what he didn’t.
Did Trump lift millions off food stamps?
Trump’s claim:
“We have lifted 2.4 million Americans — a record — off of food stamps.”
Verdict: Needs context
Facts:
About 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Roughly 2.4 million people are projected to lose eligibility due to new work requirements enacted in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Those reductions have not fully taken effect and will roll out unevenly across states. There is no federal program to replace lost benefits.
Did the “Warrior Dividend” come from tariffs?
Trump’s claim:
“We got the money from tariffs.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
The Defense Department has said the $1,776 payments to active-duty and reserve service members were funded through a supplemental housing allocation approved by Congress — not tariff revenue.
Pentagon officials credited congressional appropriations included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Is there “almost no crime anymore” in Washington?
Trump’s claim:
“We have almost no crime anymore in Washington, D.C.”
Verdict: Exaggerated
Facts:
Crime has declined in most categories in 2026, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. But since Jan. 1, the city has still recorded nine homicides, more than 120 aggravated assaults and over 300 vehicle thefts.
Homicides are down roughly 67% year over year — a significant drop, but not “almost no crime.”
Did other presidents fail to lower drug prices?
Trump’s claim:
“They never could. They didn’t even come close.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin costs for Medicare patients, limited out-of-pocket drug spending and allowed Medicare to negotiate prices for high-cost medications — changes now in effect.
Trump’s drug initiatives largely rely on voluntary agreements and cash-price platforms that don’t significantly alter insured patients’ costs.
Was inflation at record levels when Trump took office?
Trump’s claim:
“The worst inflation in history.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
Inflation was 2.9% annually when Trump took office — not a historical high. Inflation peaked at 8.9% in 2022 and reached double digits in the early 1980s.
Short-term declines Trump cited are not standard inflation measurements.
Are more Americans working now than ever before?
Trump’s claim:
“More Americans are working today than at any time in history.”
Verdict: True
Facts:
Total employment is at a record high. However, job growth slowed sharply in 2025, which saw the weakest year for job creation since 2020.
Did Trump secure $18 trillion in U.S. investments?
Trump’s claim:
“More than $18 trillion.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
The White House lists $9.7 trillion in commitments — a figure that includes long-term pledges, repackaged prior announcements and non-investment items, according to Bloomberg Economics.
Did Trump eliminate taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security?
Trump’s claim:
“No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security.”
Verdict: Needs context
Facts:
Some workers can deduct tips and overtime, subject to caps. Seniors received new deductions, but Social Security benefits remain taxable.
Is the murder rate the lowest in 125 years?
Trump’s claim:
“The lowest number in over 125 years.”
Verdict: True
Facts:
An analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice found 2025 likely saw the largest single-year drop in homicides on record, potentially reaching the lowest rate since 1900.
Crime had been declining for several years before Trump returned to office.
Was the One Big Beautiful Bill the largest tax cut ever?
Trump’s claim:
“The largest tax cut in American history.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
According to the Tax Foundation, the law ranks sixth-largest in U.S. history.
Did Trump add 70,000 construction jobs?
Trump’s claim:
“70,000 new construction jobs.”
Verdict: Exaggerated
Facts:
About 44,000 construction jobs were added over the past year, according to federal labor data.
Did Biden allow millions of criminals into the U.S.?
Trump’s claim:
“Murderers poured in.”
Verdict: Needs context
Facts:
While millions entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, there is no evidence of mass transfers from prisons or mental institutions. Figures cited by Trump include noncitizens incarcerated for decades and those already serving sentences.
Was $19 billion in fraud committed in Minnesota?
Trump’s claim:
“$19 billion.”
Verdict: Lacks evidence
Facts:
Federal prosecutors have charged roughly $1 billion in fraud. Investigators estimate potential exposure closer to $9 billion — still far below Trump’s claim.
Are egg and beef prices falling?
Trump’s claim:
“Eggs down 60%… beef coming down.”
Verdict: Misleading
Facts:
Egg prices are down about 48% year over year. Beef prices are at record highs.
Has Trump ended eight wars?
Trump’s claim:
“I ended eight wars.”
Verdict: Exaggerated
Facts:
Trump has played diplomatic roles in easing several conflicts, but many were not active wars, and some fighting has resumed. Claims vary widely by country and are disputed by foreign governments.
Would the SAVE America Act eliminate mail voting?
Trump’s claim:
“No more mail-in ballots.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
The bill would impose new ID and citizenship requirements but does not ban mail voting.
Is election cheating “rampant”?
Trump’s claim:
“Cheating is rampant.”
Verdict: False
Facts:
There is no evidence of widespread election fraud. Even conservative groups have documented only isolated cases over decades.
