President Trump Issues Misleading Claims on Citizenship, Climate Agreement and Foreign Aid

The president was wrong about birthright citizenship around the world, the Paris climate agreement and federal funding for condoms in Gaza, among other claims.

President Trump, while issuing a rapid-fire series of executive orders and directives since taking office, has rationalized his initiatives with a series of false and misleading claims.

In trying to deny automatic citizenship for some born in the United States, he falsely described other countries' laws. In rescinding climate policies, he mischaracterized obligations made by countries in the Paris climate agreement. And in defending a chaotic rollout that froze federal funding, he cited an example of waste that lacked evidence.

Fact Check

Tariffs on Canada

False. There are more than a dozen U.S.-based banks and subsidiaries operating in Canada.

Mr. Trump made the claim after he imposed tariffs on Canada, but before Canada negotiated a delay. His assertion would have been more correct about a quarter of a century ago. Since 1999, though, foreign banks have been allowed to establish branches in the country, according to a report by Statistics Canada, a government data agency.

American banks operating in Canada as either subsidiaries or branches include: Amex Bank of Canada, Bank of America, Bank of New York, Capital One, Citibank Canada, Comerica Bank, Fifth Third Bank, J.P. Morgan Canada, M&T Bank, Northern Trust, PNC Bank, State Street, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

Funding for Condoms

This lacks evidence. Mr. Trump defended a move pausing government loans by citing funding for condoms for Hamas. However, the State Department clarified that the mentioned amounts were intended for the International Medical Corps' work in Gaza, not solely for condoms.

The International Medical Corps stated it had received more than $68 million for its work in Gaza, with no funds allocated specifically for condoms. Most funding has gone to operate field hospitals and other health services.

Trade Deficits

This is exaggerated. Mr. Trump indicated that tariffs on Mexico and Canada were punishment for unfair treatment, citing overstated trade figures. Government data indicates a significant trade deficit with Mexico, but not as high as suggested.

Climate Agreement Statements

This is misleading. Mr. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, claiming it was unfair, while neglecting that it's a nonbinding agreement with no enforcement mechanisms.

Fentanyl Overdose Estimates

This lacks evidence. Mr. Trump disputed official overdose estimates, but the CDC has reported over 100,000 annual overdose deaths since 2021, mostly due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Birthright Citizenship

False. Mr. Trump claimed the U.S. was unique for offering birthright citizenship, while in reality, the United States is one of 33 countries that do so without conditions.