We found some factual distortions in the first debate round of the two-night affair.
FactChecking the First 2020 Democratic Debate
Stories by Eugene Kiely
Former Director, FactCheck.org
Trump’s New Twist on False Voter Fraud Claim
President Donald Trump falsely suggested that California admitted that “a million votes” were cast as part of “much illegal voting” in that state during the 2016 presidential election.
Trump’s Campaign Kickoff Claims
In launching his reelection campaign, President Donald Trump said, “Nobody’s done what we have done in two and a half years.” However, we found his speech was filled with familiar false, misleading and exaggerated statements about his record on jobs, military spending, veterans, energy and more.
FactChecking Trump’s Pitch to Farmers
In his much publicized visit to Iowa, President Donald Trump made a few false and misleading statements about agricultural exports.
Trump’s Dubious Claims About China
In remarks to the press in Iowa and before departing for Iowa, President Donald Trump talked about ongoing trade negotiations with China, and the possibility of enacting further tariffs. But Trump distorted the facts on several points.
Obama Misrepresents U.S. Gun Laws
In remarks at a technology conference in Brazil, former President Barack Obama misrepresented U.S. gun laws, claiming that “anybody can buy any weapon … without much, if any, regulation,” including “machine guns.”
FactChecking Trump’s Response to Mueller
In an impromptu press conference and on Twitter, President Donald Trump responded to special counsel Robert Mueller’s remarks about the Russia investigation with several false and questionable claims.
What Mueller, Barr Say About Obstruction of Justice
Special counsel Robert Mueller devoted much of his 10-minute remarks on May 29 to explaining why the special counsel’s office did not reach a determination about whether President Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice. Democrats have criticized Attorney General William P. Barr for mischaracterizing the findings on that point in Mueller’s report.
O’Rourke Twists Facts at Town Hall
Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke twisted the facts on several topics, including immigration and gun control, during a CNN town hall.
FactChecking Trump’s Fox News Interview
President Donald Trump, in a lengthy interview on Fox News, made several statements that were false, misleading or not supported by the evidence.