In this fact-checking video, CNN’s Jake Tapper reviews President Donald Trump’s false claims about the impact of trade on U.S. farmers.
Video: FactChecking Trump’s Farming Claims
Trump’s Trade-Balance Mistake
President Donald Trump is saying that the U.S. balance of trade improved by a “tremendous” $52 billion in the second quarter of 2018. But the correct figure is much smaller — $22 billion — as two economists with expertise in trade statistics have confirmed for us.
Jennifer Garner Supported Hillary Clinton
Q: Did actress Jennifer Garner say, “I’m joining Trump train”?
A: There is no evidence of that. Garner supported Hillary Clinton for president in 2016.
Are Trump 2020 Banners Made in China?
Q: Are campaign banners for President Trump’s reelection campaign being made in China?
A: News reports have documented Trump 2020 flags being produced in China, but it’s unclear who ordered those. The campaign says that “all of our merchandise is 100% made in the USA.”
Trump Jumps the Gun (Again) on Health Plans
President Donald Trump touted “record business” for new health insurance plans under a federal rule that hasn’t yet gone into effect. In fact, since at least December 2017, he has periodically, and prematurely, boasted that “millions” of people are already signing up for these association health plans.
VA Could Fire Workers Before Trump Signed Law
As President Donald Trump often tells it, the Department of Veterans Affairs could not fire unruly or underperforming employees before he signed a bill overhauling the agency’s procedures in 2017. He’s wrong about that.
Noncitizens Get Narrow Access to Polls in San Francisco
Q: Has San Francisco given noncitizens “the right to vote in elections”?
A: Yes, but only in San Francisco school board elections and only for parents, guardians or legal caregivers of children in the city’s schools.
Mars, the Moon and a Fictional ‘Cosmic Event’
Q: Will Mars be “as big as the Moon” on July 27 for the first time in 35,000 years?
A: No. A viral story spreads a repeatedly debunked myth.
False Headline Revives Voter Fraud Claim
Q: Did Fox News reveal that President Obama rigged the 2016 election with “4 million illegal votes”?
A: No. That falsehood is based on a pre-election interview with an election lawyer who discussed the possibility of votes being cast on behalf of dead people.
Trump’s Mixed Messages on Russian Meddling
President Donald Trump thanked Fox News for airing a montage on July 19 that he said showed “Trump recognized Russian Meddling MANY TIMES.” But the video also shows Trump equivocating on the issue.