Fact-Checking Donald Trump's Record-Breaking State of the Union Address Claims
Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history last night, speaking for 108 minutes to the American public. During his nearly two-hour speech, the US leader boasted about settling wars, imposing historic tariffs, and heckling Democrats, while making numerous far-fetched claims. He described the United States as being in a golden age, stating it is bigger, better, richer than ever before. Metro has conducted a thorough fact-check of many assertions Trump made, ranging from Somali fraud to drug trafficking and economic data.
Claim: The US Has 'Virtually Stopped' Sea Drug Trafficking
This claim is false. Trump asserted that illegal drugs being trafficked into the US by sea have been virtually stopped through Operation Southern Spear, referencing a campaign that targeted boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. However, there is no solid evidence supporting a reduction in drug flow. Customs and Border Protection statistics from July to November 2025 show a 98% drop in pounds of drugs seized via marine operations, but this does not account for the actual amount of drugs entering the country. Jonathan Caulkins, a drug policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon, noted to Politifact that Trump's claim is about something unknowable, highlighting the lack of reliable data.
Claim: Somali Community Pillaged $19 Billion from Taxpayers
This statement is misleading and has been disputed. Trump claimed that members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer, linking it to corruption in Minnesota. Investigations into alleged fraud in Somali communities are ongoing, but the $19 billion figure lacks factual basis. According to Politifact, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson stated in December that state-run Medicaid programs audited had billed $18 billion since 2019, with half or more potentially fraudulent, not the entire amount. A Congresswoman called Trump a liar for this assertion.
Claim: More People Are Working Today Than Ever Before
This is not true. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that job growth under Trump in the past year was the smallest since 2020, with only 181,000 jobs created. In contrast, during Joe Biden's presidency from 2020 to 2024, over 1.5 million jobs were added each year. Trump's claim exaggerates economic performance and ignores comparative statistics.
Claim: Iryna Zarutska's Killer Was an Immigrant
This claim is false. Trump incorrectly stated that DeCarlos Brown Jr., who murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in August last year, was a hardened criminal set free to kill in America came in through open borders. In reality, Brown was a US citizen with an extensive criminal record, not an immigrant. This misrepresentation has been a point of contention in discussions about crime under Trump's administration.
Claim: Gas Prices Are 'Below $2.30 a Gallon in Most States'
This assertion is inaccurate. The only state where gas prices are at $2.30 per gallon is Oklahoma, according to latest figures. In many other states, prices remain above $4.30, contradicting Trump's broad statement. This highlights a pattern of overstatement in his address.
Overall, Trump's State of the Union address was marked by lengthy rhetoric and multiple false claims, underscoring the importance of fact-checking in political discourse. For more updates on such stories, stay informed with reliable news sources.
