CLAIM 1:
The United States spends more on its public healthcare system than any other country in the world (Timestamp: 12:14 p.m. ET).
Verdict: True.
The U.S. leads in public healthcare spending, with $1.8 trillion spent in 2023, accounting for 7% of GDP. While some poorer nations spend more per capita, the overall expenditure is the highest globally.
CLAIM 2:
Trump said he won popular votes in the U.S. election by the millions (Timestamp: 12:18 p.m. ET).
Verdict: True.
Trump received 2.4 million more popular votes than Kamala Harris in 2024, though his win was ultimately determined by a 312-226 Electoral College lead.
CLAIM 3:
“To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote” (Timestamp: 12:19 p.m. ET).
Verdict: Mostly True.
Trump secured the highest share of Hispanic and Black votes for a Republican in over 40 years. However, Kamala Harris still received a greater share of these votes.
CLAIM 4:
“The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy crisis” (Timestamp: 12:22 p.m. ET).
Verdict: Mostly True.
Inflation was driven by government stimulus during COVID-19, rising energy prices, and supply chain issues. The Russia-Ukraine war also played a significant role.
CLAIM 5:
The U.S. has the “largest amount of oil and gas of any country on earth” (Timestamp: 12:23 p.m. ET).
Verdict: Lacks Context.
While the U.S. leads in oil production and total supply, countries like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have the largest proven crude oil reserves.
CLAIM 6:
“China is operating the Panama Canal” (Timestamp: 12:32 p.m. ET).
Verdict: False.
The Panama Canal is managed by the Panamanian government, not China. While a Hong Kong-based company operates ports at either end, it is not controlled by the Chinese government.
CLAIM 7:
The U.S. “spent more money than ever spent on a project before” and lost 38,000 lives while building the Panama Canal (Timestamp: 12:31 p.m. ET).
Verdict: Misleading.
The U.S. spent $326 million on the canal, the most expensive public works project of its time. However, worker deaths during U.S. construction totaled around 5,600, not 38,000.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s inaugural speech contained a mix of accurate, misleading, and out-of-context claims. This fact-check aims to clarify these statements for better public understanding.