UPDATE: Jen Psaki has launched an urgent fact-check of former President Donald Trump’s recent address, which unveiled his controversial $1,776 “warrior dividends” aimed at addressing the affordability crisis. Psaki’s analysis, aired on MS NOW on Wednesday evening, challenges multiple assertions made by Trump, igniting widespread discussion across social media.
Psaki, the former White House press secretary, did not hold back. “I just want to quickly fact-check just a few — I mean, there were so many in there,” she stated. Her remarks come just hours after Trump claimed that he is addressing the affordability crisis, which he attributed solely to Democrats, while asserting he is already making changes.
One of the key points Psaki highlighted was Trump’s announcement of $1,776 checks for U.S. troops. “First of all, Congress controls the power of the purse in the country, not the president,” she emphasized. “If that happens, that is Congress sending those checks, even if Trump puts his name on them.” The figure of $1,776, she noted, is particularly eye-catching, as an analysis from the Yale Budget Lab indicates that Trump’s tariffs have cost American households an average of $1,700 this year alone.
Continuing her fact-check, Psaki pointed out glaring inaccuracies in Trump’s claims about inflation. “Trump said that when he took office, inflation was the worst in 48 years. That’s not true,” she corrected. “Inflation had been declining from its peak of 7 percent during the pandemic. Since he took office, it has flatlined at 3 percent.” She referenced a recent statement from Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, acknowledging that inflation remains elevated.
Trump also claimed he was actively working to bring grocery prices down. However, Psaki revealed a report from Trump’s own Agriculture Department showing that food prices are rising faster than inflation. “Everybody is living that at grocery stores,” she remarked, underscoring the disconnect between Trump’s claims and reality.
On gas prices, Trump asserted he had brought them down to $1.99 a gallon. Yet, as Psaki pointed out, the national average was $3.11 when he took office and is currently $2.91, according to AAA data. “That is just a little taste and flavor, and I’m sure you all have your own lists at home,” she concluded, urging viewers to stay informed as the political landscape evolves.
This fact-check has sparked immediate reactions online, with many viewers sharing Psaki’s analysis across platforms. As the political climate heats up ahead of upcoming events, the importance of accurate information is more critical than ever. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
