Trump’s Oval Office Return Sparks Fact-Checks Over False Claim
(Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office was marked by a series of statements that CNN’s senior reporter Daniel Dale quickly debunked as falsehoods. During a signing ceremony on his first day back, Trump engaged with reporters, making claims that Dale later described as containing “a lot of big lies” during CNN’s extended inauguration coverage Monday night.
Dale began by addressing Trump’s assertion that the United States is the only country offering birthright citizenship. “That’s not close to true,” Dale said, explaining that “at least a couple dozen countries have it, including U.S. neighbors Canada and Mexico.”
Another significant claim Trump made was that the U.S. had taken in “hundreds of billions of dollars” from China through tariffs imposed during his first term. However, Dale clarified that the revenue came from U.S. importers, not China. “U.S. importers pay those tariffs and often pass off the costs to U.S. consumers,” he explained.
The fact-checker continued by tackling Trump’s statement that NATO’s European members have contributed $200 billion less to Ukraine than the U.S. Dale noted that this claim is reversed. “In fact, data shows that the European members have provided tens of billions more aid than the U.S. has,” he said.
Dale also addressed Trump’s claim that China controls the Panama Canal, calling it “an exaggeration at least.” While China has influence in the region and China-linked companies operate two ports along the canal, Dale pointed out that the canal is operated by the Panamanian Canal Authority, with Panamanian employees and board members in charge.
Regarding Trump’s statements about the 2020 election, Dale emphasized their lack of evidence. “He said the Democrats cheated like dogs,” Dale said. “Not true, no basis for it.” Trump also claimed that the January 6 committee had deleted all records and evidence, which Dale unequivocally debunked: “Just did not happen.”
Finally, Dale refuted Trump’s repeated assertion that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected his offer of 10,000 National Guard troops on January 6. “There’s no evidence he made an offer to her,” Dale said, adding, “He, not the House Speaker, had the power to deploy or not deploy the D.C. National Guard.”
Dale’s comprehensive fact-check underscored Trump’s ongoing use of disproven narratives during his return to the White House.
