loading . . . Has Trump told more lies in his second term than his first? Comparing the number of lies told by Donald Trump during his first term (2017–2021) to his second term (starting January 20, 2025) is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive data for the second term, which is still ongoing as of April 30, 2025. However, based on available fact-checking efforts, we can examine the patterns and scale of false or misleading claims from both periods. ### First Term (2017–2021) During his first term, Trump’s false or misleading claims were extensively documented. The Washington Post’s fact-checking team recorded **30,573 false or misleading claims** over four years, averaging about **21 per day**. This number increased over time, with peaks during election periods (e.g., 503 claims on November 2, 2020, alone). These claims covered topics like the economy, immigration, trade deficits, and the 2020 election, with notable examples including exaggerated trade deficits with China and baseless assertions of election fraud.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_or_misleading_statements_by_Donald_Trump)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/24/trumps-false-or-misleading-claims-total-30573-over-four-years/)[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/trump-lies-false-presidency-b1790285.html) ### Second Term (January 20, 2025–Present) For the second term, no complete tally exists yet, as it is only a few months in. However, fact-checkers have noted a continuation of Trump’s pattern of frequent falsehoods: - **CNN reported 20 false claims** on Trump’s first day of his second term (January 20, 2025), across two speeches, covering topics like the economy, immigration, and the 2020 election.[](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/era-fact-check-begins-ten-lies-day-one-donald-trump-day-1-january-20-panama-canal-immigration-electronic-vehicle-2667890-2025-01-21) - **CNN’s analysis of Trump’s first month** (up to February 20, 2025) highlighted **13 significant lies**, including fabrications about condoms in Gaza, tariffs, and Ukraine’s role in its war with Russia.[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/20/politics/analysis-trumps-13-biggest-lies-first-month-2025/index.html) - **The Washington Post and others** noted **26 suspect claims** in a single speech on March 4, 2025, and multiple false claims in his inaugural address. - Fact-checkers, such as those from The New York Times and The Guardian, have observed that Trump’s second term began with a “cascade” of false claims on issues like immigration, the economy, and the January 6 insurrection, often amplified by aides and advisers.[](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-white-house-lies-immigration-economy)[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/business/trump-misinformation-false-claims.html) While these reports indicate a high frequency of falsehoods, the daily average in the second term is not yet systematically quantified across all public statements. Early estimates suggest a rate comparable to or potentially exceeding the first term’s average of 21 per day, especially given the intensity of false claims in high-profile speeches and interviews. ### Key Differences and Context 1. **Volume and Pace**: In the first term, Trump’s falsehoods escalated over time, peaking in his final year (39 claims per day). The second term appears to have started at a high rate, with 20–26 false claims in single days, suggesting a more immediate reliance on misinformation.[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/24/trumps-false-or-misleading-claims-total-30573-over-four-years/)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/era-fact-check-begins-ten-lies-day-one-donald-trump-day-1-january-20-panama-canal-immigration-electronic-vehicle-2667890-2025-01-21) 2. **Support System**: Unlike the first term, where aides sometimes mitigated falsehoods, the second term involves advisers and cabinet members who amplify false claims (e.g., the condoms-in-Gaza fabrication by press secretary Karoline Leavitt). This institutionalization of disinformation may increase the impact of lies, even if the raw number is comparable.[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/business/trump-misinformation-false-claims.html) 3. **Media and Fact-Checking**: The media’s approach has evolved. While fact-checking was robust in the first term, some outlets now face challenges in a fragmented media ecosystem, with platforms like X reducing content moderation, potentially allowing falsehoods to spread unchecked.[](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-white-house-lies-immigration-economy)[](https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/) ### Conclusion As of April 30, 2025, there is no definitive count of Trump’s false claims in his second term, but early fact-checking suggests he is making false or misleading statements at a rate similar to or possibly higher than the 21-per-day average of his first term. The Washington Post’s first-term total of 30,573 claims over four years sets a high benchmark, and while it’s too early to confirm if the second term will surpass this, the pattern of frequent falsehoods persists. For a precise comparison, we’d need ongoing, systematic fact-checking over the full second term. Sources like The Washington Post, CNN, and The New York Times continue to track these claims and can provide further updates.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_or_misleading_statements_by_Donald_Trump)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/20/politics/analysis-trumps-13-biggest-lies-first-month-2025/index.html)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/era-fact-check-begins-ten-lies-day-one-donald-trump-day-1-january-20-panama-canal-immigration-electronic-vehicle-2667890-2025-01-21) https://x.com/i/grok/share/tgmrczhZSSrAhohpOeMtFhUf9
