In his inaugural address and subsequent remarks, President Donald Trump made several false and misleading claims, echoing statements previously made during his campaign. According to AP News and the Los Angeles Times, these assertions reflect a broader trend of misinformation that has characterized much of his public discourse.

Among the claims made, Trump stated that the U.S. government “fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens but provides sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals,” a statement that has consistently been challenged due to a lack of evidence supporting the idea that other countries are sending criminals to the U.S. Reports indicate no substantiation for this claim.

Additionally, he addressed inflation, claiming it was at record levels, while data shows that inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 and is now decreasing significantly. The average price of consumer goods has fluctuated dramatically, highlighting the complexities within the economy rather than adhering to labels such as “record inflation.” For example, a dozen large eggs surged from $1.33 in August 2020 to a peak of $4.82 in early 2023, illustrating vulnerabilities in supply chains more than policy failures.

Trump also made a promising statement about establishing an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs. While he indicated this would generate “massive amounts of money,” economists generally agree that such tariffs ultimately burden U.S. consumers rather than benefiting them. Tariffs would not necessarily increase domestic production unless they raise costs for imported goods substantially.

In discussing electric vehicles (EV), he claimed a non-existent federal mandate would be revoked to assist the auto industry, resulting in saving jobs. However, reports clarify that the Environmental Protection Agency's new rules merely set emissions limits, offering automakers flexibility in meeting them rather than enforcing a sales percentage.

Trump’s assertions about the Panama Canal were equally contentious. He claimed that “China is operating the Panama Canal,” but this was refuted by canal officials who stated no such arrangement exists and that the rules apply uniformly to all transit users, denying any discriminatory practices against U.S. ships.

Finally, amid claims regarding President Joe Biden's handling of pardons, Trump stated that Biden had pardoned “33 murderers.” In reality, Biden commuted sentences for individuals on federal death row, which does not equate to outright pardons. The complex nature of such decisions, including moratoriums on federal executions, points to the nuanced approaches taken by different administrations regarding criminal justice.

As these discussions continue, it is crucial for the public to critically evaluate political rhetoric, especially claims that reflect profoundly on national policy and public perceptions. The need for factual accuracy has never been more pressing in an era defined by polarizing political discourse. For more detailed analyses of these statements, please visit AP Fact Check.