President Trump’s 2025 Joint Address to Congress: A Fact-Checking Overview
On a significant evening in American politics, President Trump delivered his 2025 joint address to Congress, marking his first speech to both chambers since his election victory in November. This address was anticipated to outline his vision for domestic and foreign policy, the economy, immigration, and key international relations, including the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. CBS News dedicated its resources to fact-checking the claims made during this pivotal speech, ensuring the public is well-informed.
CBS News’ Fact-Checking Methodology
CBS News employed a meticulous approach to fact-checking President Trump’s speech, focusing on three major claims. The team analyzed each statement using credible data sources, historical records, and expert insights to provide an accurate assessment. By breaking down each claim into verifiable components, CBS aimed to offer a clear understanding of the facts, contextualizing each assertion to enhance public comprehension and promote transparency in political discourse.
Claim 1: Historic Low in Border Crossings
President Trump asserted that illegal border crossings in February were the lowest ever recorded. CBS’s investigation revealed that while crossings did reach a significant low, the claim requires nuance. February’s apprehensions numbered around 8,450, marking the lowest since 2000 and echoing levels last seen in 1968. However, this data reflects only the start of Trump’s second term, and the long-term trends suggest that such lows are part of fluctuating patterns rather than a definitive historic record.
Claim 2: Inflation Rates
Trump also stated that the U.S. experienced its worst inflation in 48 years, possibly the highest in history. CBS’s fact-checking clarified that while June 2022 saw a 9% inflation rate, the highest since 1981, historical context shows higher peaks in the 1970s and 1980s. Notably, inflation in April 1980 reached 14.6%. This comparison underscores that recent inflation, though significant, does not surpass earlier peaks, with current rates at 3% as of January 2025, indicating a more controlled economic climate under recent policies.
Claim 3: Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
President Trump claimed to have withdrawn from the WHO, labeling it corrupt. However, CBS revealed that the withdrawal process, initiated in July 2021, remains incomplete. Both the U.S. and WHO have expressed openness to continued discussions, allowing U.S. health officials to collaborate on global health issues like Ebola outbreaks and flu vaccine development. This partial withdrawal highlights a complex relationship, balancing national sovereignty with global health cooperation.
Conclusion: The Role of Fact-Checking in Political Discourse
President Trump’s address underscored key aspects of his agenda, yet the fact-checking process by CBS News illustrates the importance of verifying claims in political communication. By providing context and analysis, CBS News helps the public discern fact from rhetoric, essential for informed decision-making. This role of media in clarifying political rhetoric is crucial in maintaining a well-informed society, fostering trust and accountability in leadership.
