President Donald Trump delivered his 2025 Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday night, marking his first speech to both chambers since reclaiming the White House in the November election. In his speech, Trump outlined his administration’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, spoke about the economy, and made several claims that require verification. Here, we fact-check key statements from the address.
False: Trump Claims Millions Over 120 Receive Social Security Illegally
Claim:
Trump stated, “Believe it or not, government databases list 4.7 million Social Security members from people aged 100 to 109 years old. It lists 3.6 million people from ages 110 to 119… 3.9 million people from ages 130 to 139. And money is being paid to many of them.”
Fact Check:
There is no evidence of widespread Social Security fraud involving individuals over 100 years old. While administrative errors exist, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has mechanisms in place to prevent payments to deceased individuals. A 2023 inspector general report found that 44,000 people born before 1920 were still receiving payments due to missing death records, but this is a fraction of Trump’s claim. Moreover, the SSA uses automated systems to stop benefits for anyone aged 115 or older.
False: Trump Claims DOGE Found ‘Hundreds of Billions’ in Fraud
Claim:
Trump credited the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, with exposing “hundreds of billions of dollars” in fraud.
Fact Check:
DOGE’s own records indicate $105 billion in savings, not “hundreds of billions.” CBS News found that much of this figure includes federal contract cancellations, with many being overstated or counted multiple times. No solid evidence of fraud has been provided.
Misleading: Trump Claims Autism Rates Skyrocketed from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 36
Claim:
Trump stated, “Not long ago, 1 in 10,000 children had autism. Now it’s 1 in 36.”
Fact Check:
While autism diagnoses have increased, experts caution that this rise is due to expanded awareness and better diagnostic criteria rather than an actual surge in cases. The CDC reports an autism rate of 1 in 36 in 2020, up from 1 in 150 in 2000. However, early estimates like 1 in 10,000 were based on limited data and are not directly comparable.
False: Trump Links Stacey Abrams to a $1.9 Billion Decarbonization Grant
Claim:
Trump alleged that Stacey Abrams was involved in allocating a $1.9 billion decarbonization grant.
Fact Check:
The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the grant to Power Forward Communities, a coalition of nonprofits. While Abrams once advised one of these groups, she had no role in overseeing the grant. Power Forward Communities’ CEO confirmed that Abrams was not involved.
False: Trump Says 21 Million Migrants Entered the U.S. Under Biden
Claim:
Trump stated, “Over the past four years, 21 million people poured into the United States.”
Fact Check:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded about 11 million migrant encounters between 2021 and 2024. Some were repeat crossers, and many were deported. The Department of Homeland Security reports that 4.7 million of these individuals were either deported or denied entry.
Misleading: Trump Claims to Have Ended Biden’s ‘EV Mandate’
Claim:
Trump asserted, “We ended the last administration’s insane electric vehicle mandate.”
Fact Check:
The Biden administration never imposed an EV mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter emissions standards, which some critics called a “de facto mandate.” Trump signed an executive order reversing these regulations, but no official mandate existed.
Partially True: Trump Says Illegal Border Crossings Hit Historic Low
Claim:
Trump stated, “Illegal border crossings last month were by far the lowest ever recorded.”
Fact Check:
February 2025 saw around 8,450 migrant apprehensions, the lowest in 25 years. However, monthly data before 2000 is scarce, making it unclear whether this is the absolute lowest in U.S. history.
Partially True: Trump Says Inflation Was the Worst in 48 Years
Claim:
Trump claimed, “We suffered the worst inflation in 48 years, but perhaps even in the history of our country.”
Fact Check:
Inflation peaked at 9% in June 2022, the highest since 1981. However, historical records show inflation was worse in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching 14.6% in 1980. While inflation was high under Biden, it was not the worst in U.S. history.
Partially True: Trump Says He Withdrew from WHO
Claim:
Trump stated, “I withdrew from the corrupt World Health Organization.”
Fact Check:
While Trump initiated withdrawal, the process is not yet complete. His administration has granted exemptions allowing U.S. health officials to collaborate with WHO on issues like Ebola and flu vaccine development.
Partially True: Trump Says Biden Let Egg Prices ‘Get Out of Control’
Claim:
Trump said, “Joe Biden let the price of eggs get out of control.”
Fact Check:
Egg prices hit record highs due to a severe bird flu outbreak. The Biden administration implemented measures to address the issue, including increasing egg imports. While prices soared, external factors were a major cause.
President Trump’s 2025 Joint Address contained several claims that ranged from misleading to outright false. While some statements had partial truths, many lacked crucial context or supporting evidence. As always, it is essential to fact-check political statements to ensure the public has access to accurate information.
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