President Trump has consistently claimed to have secured trillions in investment in the US, but these figures appear to be inflated. The White House’s own numbers, totaling $8.8 trillion, are themselves questionable, and a CNN review of the top commitments reveals significant discrepancies. For instance, supposed investments from the EU, Saudi Arabia, and India are often not firm commitments or investment in the US, but rather goals, trade agreements, or vague pledges. Experts caution that corporate pledges likely include normal operational spending, making the claimed figures inaccurate.
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In a recent social media post, Donald Trump falsely claimed that the “Biden FBI” placed agents within the crowd during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. This statement echoes long-standing conspiracy theories, despite investigations and reports, including one released in December 2024 by the Justice Department inspector general, which found no evidence of FBI undercover employees in the protest crowds. The inspector general’s report did identify 26 confidential sources, with some tasked to report on potential domestic terrorists. The former president’s claims appear to confuse the number of agents sent to respond to the developing crisis, and are contrary to facts.
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President Donald Trump and his administration have been portraying Portland, Oregon, as a city consumed by lawlessness, a depiction refuted by local residents and elected officials. Trump has made false claims about widespread fires and businesses being rebuilt with plywood, contradicting the reality of peaceful protests and daily life. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Portland officials of covering up the alleged chaos, drawing ridicule and counter-evidence from Senator Ron Wyden and City Council member Angelita Morillo. Residents have also documented the city’s normalcy, challenging the administration’s narrative.
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During a cabinet meeting, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that circumcised children have double the rate of autism, potentially due to Tylenol use. This statement echoed a controversial press conference where the administration suggested a link between Tylenol and autism, despite scientific studies finding no causal relationship. Kennedy also made inflammatory remarks about pregnant women. The remarks were made despite medical groups stating acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made inaccurate statements during a cabinet meeting regarding a video of a pregnant woman, claiming she consumed Tylenol in her placenta while saying “F Trump.” However, the woman was actually in her uterus and did not say this. Kennedy used this anecdote to criticize the mother for allegedly having “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” while also making an unsubstantiated claim that circumcision leads to autism due to Tylenol use, though later admitting there’s no proof. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the administration discouraged Tylenol use during pregnancy as a result.
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The White House shared video footage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Florida, falsely presenting it as occurring in Chicago while deploying National Guard troops to the city. The footage, which included images of palm trees, was used by Trump to criticize Chicago’s mayor and governor, falsely portraying the city as chaotic. Illinois officials have condemned this misleading tactic, pointing out the misrepresentation of the situation. Despite a lawsuit challenging the deployment of National Guard troops, they arrived in Chicago to protect federal personnel, leading to protests and a temporary court order restricting the use of certain munitions.
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Pope Leo XIV urged international news agencies to safeguard against manipulation and defend a free and objective press, highlighting the crucial role of journalism in informing the public about events worldwide. He advocated for the release of imprisoned journalists, emphasizing that their work is a right and a pillar of society. Leo stressed the importance of news agencies, especially amid economic pressures and the rise of misinformation, encouraging them to uphold truth and act as a bulwark against lies. Quoting Hannah Arendt, he warned against the erosion of distinctions between fact and fiction, emphasizing the need for reliable information in an increasingly complex world.
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The White House has been accused of misleading the public by using footage of ICE raids from Florida in a video portraying chaos in Chicago. The video, posted on the White House’s X account, featured Trump criticizing Chicago’s leaders and included footage that was actually from a Department of Homeland Security operation in Florida. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office criticized the deception, emphasizing Chicago’s positive attributes. The use of the old footage is likely tied to Trump’s broader immigration-and-crime offensive, which includes threats to deploy the National Guard.
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A recent poll reveals a growing partisan divide in Americans’ views on health information, with political affiliation heavily influencing beliefs. This is demonstrated by the conflicting reactions to former President Trump’s statements about acetaminophen, as well as declining trust in the CDC, particularly among Democrats. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services has further exacerbated these divisions, with a majority disapproving of his performance, particularly among Democrats and independents, while Republicans often trust his health advice. As a result, individuals are increasingly relying on differing sources for health information, leading to a fragmented public health landscape.
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Six former U.S. Surgeons General issued a joint warning, expressing concern that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions are endangering the nation’s health. The group of former officials accused Kennedy of rejecting science, misinforming the public, and eroding trust in agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. They pointed to specific examples, such as the overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and distortion of vaccine information, as evidence of his harmful influence. The former surgeons general also noted a decline in morale within HHS, describing an environment of intimidation and censorship that is negatively impacting the agency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker