Bangalore Mirror – False claims Trump made as he addressed the US about Iran
The Claim: Trump claimed Iran’s regime killed 45,000 protesters during recent unrest, portraying the government as extremely violent toward its own citizens during nationwide demonstrations.
Fact: Verified deaths exceed 7,000 per Human Rights Activists News Agency; Iran claims 3,117. Higher figures remain unverified due to restricted internet, communication barriers, and limited independent access.
Trump claimed, “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.” This claim repeats a familiar line. However, the economy he inherited showed strength. In 2024, the final year of Joe Biden’s presidency, US gross domestic product grew 2.8% after adjusting for inflation, outperforming nearly every wealthy country except Spain. The economy also expanded steadily from 2021 through 2023. Under Trump, growth slowed to 2.1%, partly because a 43-day federal government shutdown reduced output between October and December. Inflation also persists. The Labor Department reported that the consumer price index rose 2.4% in February compared with the previous year, remaining above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
‘Regime change’
Trump said, “Regime change was not our goal but regime change has occurred because all of their original leaders are dead.” This assertion lacks credibility. After Israel launched airstrikes on Feb 28, the attack killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran installed his son Mojtaba as supreme leader, and analysts consider him more hard-line. The Revolutionary Guard strengthened its influence, while civilian leadership admitted it lacked control over the Guard. Despite signals from Trump and Israel urging Iranians to rise up, no uprising has occurred.
Protester deaths
Trump claimed Iran’s regime killed 45,000 protesters. No verified data supports that number. The Human Rights Activists News Agency confirmed just over 7,000 deaths during nationwide protests, while acknowledging that communication restrictions limit verification. Iranian authorities reported 3,117 deaths, and activists estimated higher figures, but none reached Trump’s claim.
Middle East oil
Trump said the US no longer needs Middle Eastern oil. While the United States leads global oil production and imported only 8.5% from the Persian Gulf in 2025, global markets still determine prices. Disruptions affect all countries. Since the Iran war began, benchmark crude prices rose over 50%, and gasoline prices exceeded $4 per gallon.
Inflated investments
Trump cited $18 trillion in investments entering the US. He provided no evidence. Official figures on the White House website list $10.5 trillion, including commitments made before his term. Analysts question whether even $5 trillion will materialize.
Cash to Iran
Trump claimed Barack Obama gave Iran $1.7 billion in cash. The US paid that amount to settle a decades-old debt for undelivered military equipment, not as a gift.