Fact-Checking Trump's State of the Union: Jobs, Energy, and War Claims Debunked
Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday night, boasting about achievements during his second term's first year. However, the speech, lasting over an hour and 41 minutes, was riddled with statements that were inflated, misleading, or outright false. This article examines key claims made by the president, providing a detailed fact-check based on available data and reports.
Economy, Jobs, and Investments
Trump repeatedly praised the economy, asserting, "we are the hottest country anywhere in the world" and claiming record job numbers. Yet, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows job gains slowed significantly in 2025, with only 181,000 jobs added—far below the 1.5 million to 2.5 million typical in non-pandemic years under previous administrations. Additionally, Trump cited $18 trillion in global investments, but a CNN review found this figure includes vague pledges rather than actual investments, with the White House website listing total investments at $9.7 trillion.
Immigration and Crime
When discussing the killing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman in North Carolina, Trump falsely claimed the perpetrator was an immigrant who entered through open borders. In reality, DeCarlos Brown Jr., the arrested suspect, is not an immigrant. This aligns with Trump's broader narrative linking immigrants to violent crime, despite data indicating US-born citizens are more than twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes compared to undocumented immigrants.
Energy and Gas Prices
Trump suggested energy prices are decreasing, but the average household energy bill rose by 6.7% from 2024 to 2025. His administration's policies, including rate hikes by utility companies affecting millions of customers and cuts to energy assistance programs, have contributed to higher costs. On gas prices, Trump claimed they are below $2.30 per gallon in most states, with some as low as $1.99. However, AAA data shows only Oklahoma offers gas at $2.374, while prices in other states exceed $4.60. A recent environmental rollback by his administration is expected to further increase gas prices.
War and Peace Claims
The president exaggerated his role in ending conflicts, claiming he resolved eight wars in ten months. The US has been involved in six peace agreements, not all credited to Trump, and some disputes were not considered wars. For instance, while Trump brokered a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, the underlying issues remain unresolved, and fighting resumed shortly after, displacing half a million people. Similarly, efforts in Gaza have not prevented continued violence against Palestinian civilians.
In summary, Trump's State of the Union address contained numerous inaccuracies across economic, social, and foreign policy topics, highlighting a pattern of misleading statements that warrant scrutiny from fact-checkers and the public.
