President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, making several claims about the U.S. economy and the situation in Iran that were found to be misleading or inaccurate. The address came amidst rising gas prices and persistent inflation.

Economic Claims Challenged

CLAIM: “We were a dead and crippled country after the last administration and made it the hottest country anywhere in the world by far, with no inflation.”

THE FACTS: This is a recurring claim by President Trump. However, the U.S. economy he inherited was far from weak. In 2024, the last year of Joe Biden’s presidency, the U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.8%, adjusted for inflation – the fastest rate among wealthy nations except Spain. Economic growth continued at a healthy pace through 2023, and even with a deceleration to 2.1% under Trump last year, it remained respectable. A 43-day federal government shutdown did impact growth in the final quarter of last year.

Inflation also remains a concern. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% in February compared to the previous year, still exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Claims Regarding Iran's Leadership

CLAIM: “Regime change was not our goal. We never said regime change, but regime change has occurred because of all of their original leaders’ death. They’re all dead. The new group is less radical and much more reasonable.”

THE FACTS: President Trump’s assessment of Iran’s current leadership is questionable. While scores of senior leaders have been killed, Iran has installed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is considered even more hard-line. The Revolutionary Guard has also gained increased influence. Civilian leadership acknowledges limited control over the Guard’s actions.

Furthermore, both Trump and Israel have suggested inciting an uprising among the Iranian people, which has not materialized.

Protest Deaths and Arrests

CLAIM: “This murderous regime also recently killed 45,000 of their own people who were protesting in Iran.”

THE FACTS: The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed just over 7,000 deaths during nationwide protests in January, though the actual number could be higher due to communication restrictions. Over 53,000 arrests have been reported. Iran’s government reported a significantly lower toll of 3,117 deaths. President Trump has previously cited figures as high as 32,000 with no supporting evidence.

Claims About U.S. Independence and Oil

CLAIM: “We’re now totally independent of the Middle East, and yet we are there to help. We don’t have to be there. We don’t need their oil.”

THE FACTS: While the U.S. is a leading oil producer, global oil prices are influenced by events in the Middle East. The price of U.S. crude oil has risen over 50% since the start of the Iran war, and the average U.S. gasoline price has surpassed $4 a gallon.

Investment and Past Payments to Iran

CLAIM: Trump cited “record-setting setting investments coming into the United States, over $18 trillion.”

THE FACTS: President Trump has not provided evidence to support this claim. The White House website lists a lower figure of $10.5 trillion, which includes commitments made during the Biden administration. Studies question whether over $5 trillion in investment commitments will actually materialize.

CLAIM: A misleading claim about cash payments to Iran under the Obama administration.

THE FACTS: The U.S. Treasury did pay Iran roughly $400 million under President Obama, but this was not a gift. It was a settlement for military equipment paid for in the 1970s that was never delivered after the Iranian revolution. The U.S. also paid $1.3 billion in interest as part of the settlement.