March 29, 2024

Fact checking Trump

Trump argued recently he has been hounded by investigators in the Russia probe for no reason. And that “he does not do cover-ups.” Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, testified under oath he made payments to buy the silence of a porn actress and a former playboy model per Trump’s order. Michael Cohen sits in prison today for his crimes of following Trump’s orders.

THE FACTS:

The Trump investigation has resulted in 37 total indicted: 26 Russians indicted ... four people sent to prison ... seven guilty pleas. Doesn’t look like a witch-hunt to me.

HEALTH CARE:

Trump: “Drug prices are coming down, first time in five years because of my administration.” (Remarks made to reporter)

In a rally in Pennsylvania, “We will always protect pre-existing conditions.”

THE FACTS:

Trump continues to ignore an increase in drug prices. On protecting pre-existing health conditions, Trump’s administration is pressing in court for full repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Sens. Grassley and Ernest are in full support of this administration’s policy which would eliminate protection for pre-existing conditions.

ECONOMY:

Trump tweeted: “My administration is achieving things that have never been achieved before, including unleashing perhaps the greatest economy in our country’s history.”

THE FACTS:

The economy is solid but it is not one of the best in our country’s history, no matter how many times he asserts it.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

Trump claims “The best unemployment numbers in history.” (Pennsylvania rally)

THE FACTS:

The 3.6 percent unemployment rate in the latest report is not the best in history. It is the lowest since 1969, when it was 3.5 percent. The U. S. also had lower rates than now in the early 1950s. And during three years of World War II, the annual rate was under 2 percent (associated press writer Elliot Spagat)

This fact checking could go on every time Trump opens his mouth. Like Kellyanne Conway said, “We have alternative facts.”

Can we be this stupid as a country to put up with this day-in-and-day-out rhetoric?

* Find AP Fact Checks on twitter.com/APFactCheck

Kathy Tipton

Newton