When a President lies....

Trump's false and misleading claims at his State of the Union address, seeking to reverse dismal polls and see off mounting challenges at home and abroad ahead of crucial midterm elections.

The Economy

Claim. "When I last spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis, with a stagnant economy".

The fact. The US gross domestic  product rose 2.8% in 2024 after adjusting for inflation. That's a stronger pace of growth than the 2.2% achieved last year during the start of Trump's second term.

Investment

Claim. "I secured commitments for more than $18 trillion pouring in from all over the globe".

The fact. The White House website offers a far lower number, $9.6 trillion.

Jobs

Claim. "More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country". 

The fact. The unemployment rate is a low 4.3% but was lower when Biden left office  in Jan 2025, at 4%.

Foreign wars

Claim. "My first 10 months I ended eight wars".

The fact. Although he has helped mediate relations among many nations, his impact isn't as clear-cut as he makes it seem.

Tariffs

Claim. "Tariff revenues are saving our country, the kind of money we're taking in".

The fact. The Congressional Budget Office estimated his new taxes would raise $3 trillion over 10 years. That's not enough to cover the cost of his $4.7 trillion in tax cuts.

Immigration

Claim. "We'll always allow people to come in legally, people that will love our country and will work hard".

The fact. Trump has actually taken steps to restrict who can emigrate to the US, often in the name of protecting national security.

My take

How can a President, who's supposed to be the icon for his countrymen, get off with such outright lies? Shame on you, President Trump!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house; recited my prayers. Got the house ready for the interior painting of the top inner roof. Ranjith did it in the afternoon while Suresh did the frontage.

Bath, followed by breakfast of bread and egg roast.

Lekha had gone to the gas agency to find out as to why the new gas cylinder was taking time to come by ; the delivery boy was sick for the past week.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Lekha goes to the temple to have a darshan of the good Lord as it's gonna be the annual festival commencing on the 28th.

Ribi's boys secured by a half past 5. The maid washed down our car.

Packing covered after everyone had left.