Fact-Check: Seth Meyers Targets 5 Frequent Trump Falsehoods

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Fact-Check: Seth Meyers Targets 5 Frequent Trump Falsehoods

Late-night host Seth Meyers has made a career out of dissecting the often-outlandish claims made by prominent political figures. His recent segment focused on five frequently repeated falsehoods perpetuated by former President Donald Trump. But how accurate is Meyers’ takedown? Let's delve into the facts and examine the claims he addressed.

Meyers' Targets: A Closer Look at 5 Trumpian Falsehoods

Meyers' segment, a staple of his "A Closer Look" segment, highlighted recurring themes in Trump's rhetoric. While the comedian employed humor, the underlying message was serious: the dangers of misinformation and the importance of fact-checking. Here's a breakdown of the five falsehoods Meyers tackled, along with our fact-check analysis:

1. The 2020 Election Fraud Claim: This is arguably the most pervasive and damaging falsehood perpetuated by Trump. He continues to insist the 2020 presidential election was "stolen" despite numerous recounts, audits (including one commissioned by Republicans in Arizona), and court rulings rejecting his claims. FactCheck.org, , has consistently debunked these allegations, concluding there is no credible evidence of widespread fraud that would have altered the outcome. Meyers accurately points out the lack of substantial evidence supporting Trump's claims.

2. The "Sharpiegate" Hurricane Dorian Debacle: This refers to Trump's infamous alteration of a hurricane map, seemingly expanding the projected path of Hurricane Dorian to include Alabama. The National Hurricane Center explicitly denied Alabama would be affected. Meyers correctly highlights this as an example of Trump manipulating information for political gain. Multiple reputable news organizations reported on this incident at the time, confirming the inaccuracy of Trump's claims.

3. Exaggerated Economic Claims: Trump often boasted about the state of the economy during his presidency, citing record-low unemployment. While unemployment did indeed fall, economists point to underlying trends that began before his administration and factors beyond his direct control. Meyers rightly challenges the simplistic narrative presented by Trump, emphasizing the complexities of economic indicators. It's important to note that economic performance is a multifaceted issue requiring a nuanced understanding.

4. The "Obamagate" Conspiracy Theory: This unsubstantiated claim, widely circulated by Trump and his allies, alleges a vast conspiracy involving former President Barack Obama and others. This theory lacks any verifiable evidence and has been widely discredited by fact-checkers. Meyers' critique accurately reflects the absence of evidence supporting this conspiracy theory. Such unsubstantiated accusations can be incredibly damaging to individuals and institutions.

5. Downplaying the COVID-19 Pandemic: Trump's early responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including downplaying the severity of the virus and promoting unproven treatments, drew widespread criticism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) offered starkly different assessments of the pandemic’s dangers than Trump. Meyers correctly points out the discrepancies between Trump's statements and the scientific consensus. This highlights the dangers of misinformation during a public health crisis.

The Importance of Media Literacy

Meyers' segment serves as a vital reminder of the importance of media literacy and critical thinking. It's crucial to rely on reputable sources and to verify information before accepting it as fact. The spread of misinformation, especially from prominent figures, can have serious consequences. By highlighting these falsehoods, Meyers encourages viewers to engage with information critically and to seek out reliable sources.

Call to Action: Stay informed! Engage with fact-checked news sources and promote media literacy within your communities. The fight against misinformation requires constant vigilance and active participation.