Fact-checking the Republican National Convention on Day 2 in 2024.
Welcome to the latest updates from the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The convention is in full swing, with speakers covering a range of important topics. Let’s delve into some of the statements made by key speakers and fact-check the accuracy of their claims.
First up, Senate candidate Eric Hovde made a bold statement accusing President Biden and Vice President Harris of opening the southern border, allowing criminals and terrorists to enter the country. However, the fact-check reveals that President Biden has not implemented an open borders policy. While some instances of migrants committing crimes exist, overall, undocumented migrants do not have a higher crime rate compared to native-born Americans.
Next, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise claimed that Biden and Harris are pushing for a $5 trillion tax hike. This claim holds true, as the White House’s 2025 budget includes tax policies that could increase revenues by around $4.9 trillion over a decade. It’s essential to note that these tax hikes primarily target higher-income individuals, with assurances that those earning less than $400,000 will not face increased taxes.
Senator Ted Cruz raised concerns about an apparent invasion at the southern border, stating that 11.5 million people have crossed illegally under the Biden administration. However, official reports from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show a lower number of encounters, estimated at around 8.1 million since President Biden took office. While migrant encounters are a valid concern, not every encounter results in allowing individuals to stay in the U.S.
Governor Ron DeSantis accused Democrats of wanting to ban gas automobiles, but this claim is false. While the Environmental Protection Agency has introduced new emission standards for vehicles, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, it is not a ban on gas vehicles. The Biden administration’s goal is to cut emissions by promoting electric vehicles in the future.
Lastly, Lara Trump claimed that during President Trump’s administration, the U.S. saw the largest tax cuts in history. However, reports indicate that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, while significant, does not rank as the largest tax cut in U.S. history by various metrics. Despite the impact of the tax cuts, they do not hold the title of the largest in American history.
It is crucial to discern factual information from political rhetoric, especially during major events such as the Republican National Convention. Stay tuned for more updates and fact-checks as the convention unfolds.
By Laura Doan
