This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/feb/28/donald-trump-presidential-address-congress-live

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Presidential address: Trump promises 'a great, great wall' in speech to Congress – live Presidential address: Trump claims 'new chapter in American greatness' – live
(35 minutes later)
3.44am GMT
03:44
Claire Phipps
While many of those watching noted the more … conventional tone of the speech, others stress that the contents continue to cause alarm:
What we saw tonight was not normal. Trump delivered a divisive speech that tried to scare us into abandoning our values. It didn't work.
Tonight we heard more empty pablum from Trump, completely divorced from the reality of harm he has inflicted on vulnerable communities.
Trump: "My job is to represent the USA" Unless you are a woman, Latinx, an immigrant, Muslim, #LGBTQ... #JointSession #TrumpTranslator
Fun Fact: Taking away people's health insurance is not actually the best way to help them get healthcare. #JointAddress
The Daily Mail’s US political editor was piqued for a different reason:
My bingo board had "dishonest media" and "fake news." I lost.
3.40am GMT
03:40
First-take reactions
Claire Phipps
Trump’s team, to nobody’s surprise, think the speech went stratospherically well:
He crushed it. A brilliant, powerful address by @POTUS. https://t.co/0qclMr8n1f
Very proud to work for @realDonaldTrump tonight. Incredible speech. Incredible night.
But more neutral observers – or members of the “evil” media, depending on your standpoint – are also broadly labelling it a success.
Here’s the BBC’s North America editor:
That was well crafted and well delivered. It felt like a conventional political speech from an unconventional politician #JointAddress
And from CNN’s Jim Acosta:
New Trump? Shifts on immigrationEmbraces protecting preexisting conditionsHugs NATO Starts speech with condemnation of hate crimes
And there is praise of sorts from some of Trump’s more vocal opponents:
Well, whatever they slipped into Trump's Coca-Cola today, they need to give it to him nightly...intravenously while he sleeps.
3.35am GMT
03:35
Speaker Paul Ryan declares Trump’s speech a “home run” in a statement released just minutes after Trump finished his speech.
That was a home run. Here is my statement on @POTUS #JointAddress to Congress: https://t.co/JXwyBq1aHx pic.twitter.com/sDYHBmAbHo
3.26am GMT
03:26
Two things to note from Trump’s speech that had not been previously announced.
A call for Congress to pass $1 trillion in infrastructure spending.
A new office in the Department of Homeland Security called VOICE (Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement), which focuses on victims of crime by immigrants. Trump did not clarify if this was crimes by all immigrants or by undocumented immigrants.
3.20am GMT
03:20
Sebastian Gorka, who was Breitbart’s national security editor and a Fox News commentator before he joined the White House as an advisor to Trump, clearly enjoyed the speech:
If you're not energized and teary eyed at the same time check your pulse.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump @VP @KellyannePolls pic.twitter.com/Jy8ZqWlaqQ
3.18am GMT
03:18
Video: Trump announces ‘victims of immigration crime’ office
3.14am GMT
03:14
Trump is signing multiple autographs in the chamber.
3.14am GMT
03:14
Fact-checking Trump's speech, #6 on trade and violence
Alan Yuhas
Trump: “Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.”
Fact-check: Trump has it almost correct that the trade deficit in goods alone neared $800bn; but he ignores the surplus in services, which reduces the deficit to about $500bn, according to the Census Bureau.
Trump: “The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century. In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone — and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.”
Fact-check: Trump has accurately stated a statistic he often distorts. Last September, the FBI reported that murders and non-negligent manslaughter rose in the US by 10.8% in 2015, the largest single-year increase since 1971. That is not the same as saying there are more murders in the US than at any point since 1971: 15,696 murders were reported in 2015, down from 1991 high of 24,703. The murder rate declined 42% from 1993 to 2014, even though the population increased by a quarter.
Trump correctly cites Chicago’s number of shooting victims; the city has suffered a significant increase in gun violence in the last two years, though it has yet to reach the highs of the mid-1990s. This year has started even more violently than 2016 did, with at least 513 people shot so far. But fewer people have been killed compared with the same period in 2016, according to the Chicago Tribune, and police do not trust a few months’ worth of data to estimate a trend.
Trump: “America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country – twice.”
Fact-check: As previously noted, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost an estimated $4.79tn, according to a university study estimate. Trump’s use of a $6tn claim is misleading: it takes in estimates of future spending, including veterans care for decades in the future.
3.13am GMT
03:13
Interesting note from CBS anchor Scott Pelley on Trump’s address.
"The fewest personal pronouns of any Trump speech we've ever heard" says @ScottPelley re #JointAddress. Heh.
3.12am GMT
03:12
Trump: 'believe, once more, in America'
He ends the speech with a call to “embrace this renewal of the American spirit”, an attempt to reset to a more positive tone than he has previously used.
From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears –- inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past –- and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.
I am asking all citizens to embrace this renewal of the American spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --
Believe in yourselves.
Believe in your future.
And believe, once more, in America.
Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.
And with that, a short standing ovation from Republicans.
Trump begins shaking hands with members of the crowd.
3.09am GMT3.09am GMT
03:0903:09
Trump is beginning to wrap up the speech, with some very flowery language calling on “cures to illnesses” and “one people, with one destiny”.Trump is beginning to wrap up the speech, with some very flowery language calling on “cures to illnesses” and “one people, with one destiny”.
Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.
Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.
American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.
Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.
And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.
When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.
This is our vision. This is our mission.This is our vision. This is our mission.
But we can only get there together.But we can only get there together.
We are one people, with one destiny.We are one people, with one destiny.
We all bleed the same blood.We all bleed the same blood.
We all salute the same great American flag.We all salute the same great American flag.
And we are all made by the same God.And we are all made by the same God.
And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American greatness began.And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American greatness began.
3.07am GMT3.07am GMT
03:0703:07
Trump’s comments on the place of the US and the presidency in the world are interesting, noting:Trump’s comments on the place of the US and the presidency in the world are interesting, noting:
My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America.My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America.
The line gets a lot of applause. He continues noting that the US does not want international conflict and that the best thing for “humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.”The line gets a lot of applause. He continues noting that the US does not want international conflict and that the best thing for “humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.”
We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.
Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.
3.06am GMT3.06am GMT
03:0603:06
Video: Trump on repealing the Affordable Care ActVideo: Trump on repealing the Affordable Care Act
3.05am GMT3.05am GMT
03:0503:05
As expected, Trump speaks positively about NATO - although he notes financial issues.As expected, Trump speaks positively about NATO - although he notes financial issues.
We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.
But our partners must meet their financial obligations.But our partners must meet their financial obligations.
And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.
“And I can tell you the money is pouring in,” adds Trump, an ad-lib from the prepared remarks.“And I can tell you the money is pouring in,” adds Trump, an ad-lib from the prepared remarks.
3.02am GMT3.02am GMT
03:0203:02
Carryn Owens is in tears as the Chamber gives her and her late husband a standing ovation.Carryn Owens is in tears as the Chamber gives her and her late husband a standing ovation.
Trump notes that the clapping just “broke a record” because it went so long.Trump notes that the clapping just “broke a record” because it went so long.
“Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget Ryan,” says Trump.“Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget Ryan,” says Trump.
3.00am GMT3.00am GMT
03:0003:00
Fact-checking Trump's speech, #5 on jobs, poverty and healthcareFact-checking Trump's speech, #5 on jobs, poverty and healthcare
Alan YuhasAlan Yuhas
Trump: “Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.”Trump: “Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.”
Fact-check: This is a vastly exaggerated claim that seems to rely on the roughly 94 million civilians who are 16 or older and not in the labor force: retired people, high school and college students, people with a disability, etc. The unemployment rate in January was 4.8%, or about 7.5 million people who are looking for work but can’t find it.Fact-check: This is a vastly exaggerated claim that seems to rely on the roughly 94 million civilians who are 16 or older and not in the labor force: retired people, high school and college students, people with a disability, etc. The unemployment rate in January was 4.8%, or about 7.5 million people who are looking for work but can’t find it.
Trump: “Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.”Trump: “Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.”
Fact-check: Trump is correct that about 43 million Americans are classified as living in poverty, according to the Census Bureau, after a small decline last year. He is also correct about 43 million people using food stamps, according to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That number reached as high as 47.6 million people in 2013, during the slow recovery.Fact-check: Trump is correct that about 43 million Americans are classified as living in poverty, according to the Census Bureau, after a small decline last year. He is also correct about 43 million people using food stamps, according to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That number reached as high as 47.6 million people in 2013, during the slow recovery.
Trump: “More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.”Trump: “More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.”
Fact-check: This appears to be a rephrasing of Trump’s claim about 94 million people out of the workforce; if so, he seems to suggest that disabled people, senior citizens and people under 18 are in their “prime working years”.Fact-check: This appears to be a rephrasing of Trump’s claim about 94 million people out of the workforce; if so, he seems to suggest that disabled people, senior citizens and people under 18 are in their “prime working years”.
Trump: “We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.”Trump: “We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.”
Fact-check: This claim is true only because the 2008 financial crisis was the worst economic collapse in American history except for the Great Depression, when people starved to death and moved constantly in search of work. In 1933, 25% of all workers and 37% of all non-farm workers were out of work. After the 2008 financial crisis, the US lost 8.7m jobs – in October 2010, unemployment reached a peak of 10%. The recession itself lasted 18 months, officially.Fact-check: This claim is true only because the 2008 financial crisis was the worst economic collapse in American history except for the Great Depression, when people starved to death and moved constantly in search of work. In 1933, 25% of all workers and 37% of all non-farm workers were out of work. After the 2008 financial crisis, the US lost 8.7m jobs – in October 2010, unemployment reached a peak of 10%. The recession itself lasted 18 months, officially.
Trump: “Obamacare is collapsing.”Trump: “Obamacare is collapsing.”
Fact-check: The Affordable Care Act’s healthcare program does have problems, but it is not “collapsing” or in the much warned “death spiral” in which rising costs push healthy people out of the market, ever increasing fees and then pushing companies out as well. But healthcare premiums are increasing at varying rates around the country, on average by 22%, making an unstable market state-to-state. Rates were increasing before the law was enacted, however, and about 30 million people are enrolled in the program.Fact-check: The Affordable Care Act’s healthcare program does have problems, but it is not “collapsing” or in the much warned “death spiral” in which rising costs push healthy people out of the market, ever increasing fees and then pushing companies out as well. But healthcare premiums are increasing at varying rates around the country, on average by 22%, making an unstable market state-to-state. Rates were increasing before the law was enacted, however, and about 30 million people are enrolled in the program.
3.00am GMT3.00am GMT
03:0003:00
Now it’s on to the military and veterans, pet topics for Trump.Now it’s on to the military and veterans, pet topics for Trump.
“I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history,” says Trump.“I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history,” says Trump.
“My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.“My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.
“Our veterans have delivered for this Nation –- and now we must deliver for them.”“Our veterans have delivered for this Nation –- and now we must deliver for them.”
In attendance tonight is Carryn Owens, the widow of a US Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William “Ryan” Owens, who died in a raid in Yemen in January, shortly after Trump’s inauguration.In attendance tonight is Carryn Owens, the widow of a US Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William “Ryan” Owens, who died in a raid in Yemen in January, shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
2.58am GMT2.58am GMT
02:5802:58
Trump announces 'victims of immigration crime' officeTrump announces 'victims of immigration crime' office
Trump announces that he has “ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE –- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement.”Trump announces that he has “ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE –- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement.”
The news was not greeted by cheers, but by rumblings. One of Trump’s election arguments for tighter border control was because of the supposed huge numbers of immigrant criminals.The news was not greeted by cheers, but by rumblings. One of Trump’s election arguments for tighter border control was because of the supposed huge numbers of immigrant criminals.
“We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests,” said Trump.“We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests,” said Trump.
He has four guests in attendance - Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis - who had loved ones killed by undocumented immigrants (Trump calls them “illegal immigrants”).He has four guests in attendance - Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis - who had loved ones killed by undocumented immigrants (Trump calls them “illegal immigrants”).
Trump doesn’t clarify if VOICE only applies to crimes perpetrated by undocumented or all immigrants.Trump doesn’t clarify if VOICE only applies to crimes perpetrated by undocumented or all immigrants.
2.54am GMT2.54am GMT
02:5402:54
Trump starts on education, framing it as a race issue.Trump starts on education, framing it as a race issue.
Education is the civil rights issue of our time.Education is the civil rights issue of our time.
I am calling upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.I am calling upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.
He then notes that he has a guest here this evening, a young woman who failed third grade twice before switching to a private school and ending up a college graduate.He then notes that he has a guest here this evening, a young woman who failed third grade twice before switching to a private school and ending up a college graduate.
2.52am GMT
02:52
Fact-checking Trump's speech, #4
Alan Yuhas
Trump: “We’ve lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we’ve lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.”
Fact-check: According to a study by Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research, slightly more than 10% of the manufacturing jobs lost since the 1970s were due to trade deals such as Nafta. The study estimated that 88% of factory jobs lost since the 1970s were taken by automation.
Economists still debate the effect of the deal on jobs. In 2015, the Congressional Research Service wrote that the “net overall effect” was “relatively modest”. “Nafta did not cause the huge job losses feared by the critics or the large economic gains predicted by supporters.”
A 2012 report by the OECD found that manufacturing jobs did flee the US after the deal was signed, but also noted the broader shift toward a service economy.
Trump is correct that China has benefited from trade deals, such as the “most favored nation” status that Bill Clinton renewed for the country. But it too has started to feel the effects of robots replacing humans in the workforce.
Updated
at 2.52am GMT
2.51am GMT
02:51
Even the Republicans seemed unsure about Trump’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan, according to Ben Jacobs in the chamber.
Republicans are awkwardly standing up for the infrastructure program and seeming very confused
2.50am GMT
02:50
Trump calls on both sides of Congress to work together to repeal Obamacare, as well as other issues he believes should be non-partisan:
My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women’s health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.
True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.
The first mention of Trump’s interest in accessible childcare and paid family leave was made in daughter Ivanka’s speech at the RNC, but no further detail or information has been released about the policy.
Ironically, Trump’s call for “clear water” comes on the same day Trump signed an executive order to review Obama’s “Waters of the United States”, a regulation to ensure clean drinking water.
2.45am GMT
02:45
Trump speaks about repealing the Affordable Care Act but doesn’t provide any clear details on what will replace the system.
Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.
The closest he gets to explaining exactly what will replace Obamacare are five “principles the should guide the Congress”.
First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.
Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts –- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.
Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.
Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance – and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.
Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines –- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.
2.44am GMT
02:44
Video: Trump on immigration and national security
2.42am GMT
02:42
Fact-checking Trump's speech, #3 on taxes and job creation
Alan Yuhas
Trump: “Right now American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.”
Fact-check: The US is not even in the top 30 highest-taxed nations in the world, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD’s most recent data ranks the US 31st of 34 industrialized nations for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP – far behind Denmark, Britain, Germany and Luxembourg. The US ranks 17th for corporate tax revenue, and 19th for tax revenue per capita. The US is not the tax friendliest country in the world, according to the accounting firm KPMG, but it does rank in the top 10.
Trump: “We will create massive tax relief for the middle class.”
Fact-check: Trump’s tax plan cuts taxes for all American but, by a wide margin, disproportionately helps the wealthiest Americans. According to a conservative thinktank, the Tax Foundation, his plan would save wealthy Americans millions of dollars and add $5.3tn to the national debt. Half of Trump’s tax cuts would go to the top 1% of earners, the thinktank said, and most families below the top 20% of earners would have income gains of less than 1%.
Trump: “Since my election, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Wal Mart, and many others have announced they will invest billions and billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.”
Fact-check: Bloomberg has dissected Trump’s claims about job creation at length; most cases predated Trump, do not actually create jobs, or have nothing to do with him.
General Motors committed $1bn to its US factories just before Trump’s inauguration; it earlier committed $2.9bn before any votes were cast. The company’s plan to “create” around 7,000 jobs includes preserving some jobs that already exist. Walmart announced an expansion in October, before the election, and later said the plan includes 10,000 jobs. Amazon announced an ambitious plan for 100,000 jobs, but has been hiring thousands of people every month for over a year. IBM announced 25,000 jobs in December under a plan it says was made before the election. Chrysler “announced” 2,000 jobs in January that were stipulated by a contract signed in 2015.
Crediting Trump, Ford promised 700 jobs and a $700m investment; Bayer promised 3,000 jobs and an $8bn investment; and Lockheed Martin promised 1,800 jobs. Carrier has said it agreed to keep 700-800 jobs in the US that were set to transfer to Mexico, and has credited Trump with its decision; the company is still sending about 1,000 other jobs to Mexico.
In all, these amount to about 200,000 hypothetical jobs announced in recent months, a total that amounts to 0.1% of the almost 150 million people working in the US.
Updated
at 3.01am GMT
2.42am GMT
02:42
Just before mentioning Obamacare, Trump called on Congress to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure. Although that might seem non-partisan, Democrats didn’t welcome it.
Looks like Trump has blown Dem support for infrastructure package. He just called for $1T infra bill and no cheers from Dems.
2.41am GMT
02:41
Now on to Obamacare.
“Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare,” says Trump.
The Republican side of the chamber jumps to their feet and cheers. The Democrats all remain seated, with some female politicians in white suits seen giving the thumbs down to Trump’s comments.
2.37am GMT
02:37
Trump calls on Dems and Republicans to “work together” on immigration reform.
I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws.
If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.
2.37am GMT
02:37
Fact-checking Trump's speech, #2 on immigration and taxes
Alan Yuhas
Trump: “By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone.”
Fact-check: The economic benefit of Trump’s immigration plans are uncertain. A fair amount of research suggests that immigration is good for the economy, and some US industries rely heavily on employees with visas (such as tech) or undocumented workers (such as agriculture).
If enacted, Trump’s plans would also have cost taxpayers billions. Trump’s promised wall would cost Americans about $21.6bn; Mexico has flatly refused to pay for it and Trump has not explained how he could force the country to do so. Aggressive deportation plans could cost billions more, especially if Trump greatly expands the number of federal employees in Homeland Security and the number of private prison contractors.
Trump: “We’ve saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of a fantastic, and it is a fantastic, new F-35 jet fighter.”
Fact-check: The negotiations between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin about the price of the F-35 began before Trump’s inauguration; on December 19, after Trump tweeted, but before he met with the company’s CEO, the air force announced a significant decrease in the jet’s price.
Trump: “Where proper vetting cannot occur … we cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to establish itself in America.”
Fact-check: Trump’s suggestion that the US’s vetting methods cannot account for the systems of countries abroad has flipped the nature of vetting from how it actually happens. The system, among the most intensive screening process in the world for refugees, relies on US agencies, not those of countries abroad, to vet applicants. People who want to come to the US must pass multiple background checks and interviews with several agencies, as well as medical checks, fingerprint and photo screenings. The process takes 18-24 months.
Updated
at 3.02am GMT