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Fact-checking
The second night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was filled with passionate speeches, policy discussions, and pointed critiques of the current administration. As is often the case with political conventions, the statements made by speakers were not immune to exaggeration, selective presentation of facts, or misleading claims. In this fact-check, we’ll examine some of the key assertions made during the evening to separate fact from fiction.
1. Claim: “Joe Biden will protect Social Security, unlike President Trump, who has tried to defund it.”
Fact-check: Misleading
The claim that President Trump is trying to “defund” Social Security is misleading. The assertion likely stems from Trump’s executive order to defer payroll taxes in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Payroll taxes are a primary funding source for Social Security, and while Trump’s deferral could temporarily reduce revenue, it does not equate to defunding the program.
Moreover, Trump has stated that he wants to “terminate” the payroll tax, but he has also claimed that Social Security would be funded through other means, though he has not provided specific details on how this would work. Therefore, while there are concerns about the long-term implications of Trump’s proposals on Social Security funding, the claim that he is actively trying to defund the program is an oversimplification.
2. Claim: “The Trump administration has Fact-checking presided over the worst economy since the Great Depression.”
Fact-check: Partially True
The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed resulted in one of the worst economic downturns in U.S. history, with record unemployment rates and a significant contraction in GDP. The claim that this is the “worst economy since the Great Depression” is accurate in the sense that the economic impact has been severe, particularly in the second quarter of 2020, when GDP shrank by an unprecedented 32.9% on an annualized basis.
Fact-check: Largely True
The Trump administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations that were put in place during the Obama era. These rollbacks include reducing restrictions on emissions from power plants, weakening fuel efficiency standards for cars, and allowing for more drilling on public lands. The administration has argued that these actions are necessary to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and promote economic growth.
Critics, however, argue that these rollbacks have undermined protections for air and water quality and have given polluters more leeway to operate with fewer restrictions. Environmental groups have pointed to increased pollution in certain areas and the potential for long-term damage to ecosystems as a result of these policy changes. While it might be an exaggeration to say that polluters are operating “with impunity,” it is accurate to say that the Trump administration has significantly weakened environmental protections.
4. Claim: “Under President Trump, the United States has lost respect around the world.”
Fact-check: Subjective but Supported by Evidence
This claim is inherently subjective, as it involves perceptions of respect, which can vary widely depending on the source. However, there is evidence to support the assertion that America’s global standing has declined during Trump’s presidency. Multiple surveys and studies have shown that international confidence in U.S. leadership has diminished, particularly among traditional allies.
For example, a Pew Research Center survey conducted in several countries found that in many places, the U.S. is viewed less favorably now than it was before Trump took office. The administration’s approach to international agreements, such as withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, as well as its handling of alliances like NATO, has been cited as contributing factors to this decline in respect.
While respect is a subjective measure, there is substantial evidence to suggest that the U.S. has indeed lost some of its standing on the global stage during the Trump administration.
5. Claim: “Joe Biden helped save the auto industry and millions of jobs during the Great Recession.”
Fact-check: True
Joe Biden, as Vice President under President Obama, played a significant role in the administration’s response to the Great Recession, particularly in the auto industry bailout. The Obama administration’s intervention, which included a bailout package for General Motors and Chrysler, is credited with saving the American auto industry and millions of jobs connected to it.
While the decision to bail out the auto industry was controversial at the time, it is widely regarded as a success in hindsight. The industry recovered, and the government ultimately recouped most of the money it invested. Biden’s involvement in this effort is well-documented, and the claim is accurate.
6. Claim: “President Trump has overseen the largest tax cuts for the wealthy in American history.”
Fact-check: Misleading
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017 under Trump, is often described as a major tax cut for corporations and wealthy individuals. While it did indeed reduce the corporate tax rate significantly and lowered the top income tax rate, it also included cuts for middle-income earners, though those cuts were less substantial and are set to expire after 2025.
Conclusion
The second night of the Democratic National Convention was marked by several claims that, while grounded in some truth, often leaned towards exaggeration or selective presentation of facts. It’s important for voters to critically evaluate the statements made by political figures, especially during campaign season when rhetoric can be heightened. While many of the claims made at the DNC reflected legitimate concerns and criticisms, they also demonstrated the need for careful fact-checking to ensure that the public is receiving accurate information.
