Wed Sep 11 09:06:40 UTC 2024: ## Fact Check: Trump and Harris Clash in Combative Debate Filled with False Claims

In their first debate and meeting, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a heated exchange, repeatedly attacking each other on issues like the economy, taxes, immigration, and abortion. The debate, hosted by ABC News on September 10, was marked by numerous false and misleading statements from both candidates.

**Jan. 6 Attack and Security:**

Trump made several false claims regarding his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He denied responsibility for the riot, claiming he had no role in the “Save America” rally, despite actively promoting it on social media. He also falsely stated that he offered 10,000 National Guard troops for Capitol security and that Nancy Pelosi rejected his offer. FactCheck.org found no evidence supporting either claim.

Harris, in her response, mistakenly stated that some Capitol Police officers died on Jan. 6. While 140 officers were injured, none died on that day. She also inaccurately claimed Trump was indicted for the attack, when the indictment was for four other charges.

**Economy and Trade:**

Both candidates cherry-picked data to support their arguments. Harris exaggerated the cost of Trump’s proposed “universal baseline tariffs,” claiming they would increase prices for middle-class families by $4,000 per year. While Trump’s plan would indeed raise prices, the estimate came from a liberal think tank, and other nonpartisan groups provided lower estimations. Trump, meanwhile, falsely claimed that Americans wouldn’t bear the burden of the tariffs, claiming it would fall on China and other countries.

Harris also claimed that the Trump administration left the country with the worst unemployment since the Great Depression, which is incorrect. The unemployment rate was higher for a prolonged period during the Bush and Obama administrations.

**Immigration and Crime:**

Trump repeated his false claim that millions of people illegally crossing the border are criminals released from prisons and mental institutions. Immigration experts have dismissed this claim as a fabrication, with no evidence supporting it. He also falsely claimed that immigrants are taking jobs from African Americans and Hispanics.

**Abortion and Healthcare:**

Trump falsely stated that everyone wanted Roe v. Wade to be overturned, claiming that “every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican” supported returning the abortion issue to the states. This is inaccurate, as most Americans opposed overturning Roe v. Wade, and many legal scholars did not support its end. He also repeatedly made false claims about abortion being performed in the ninth month or later, despite no state allowing such procedures.

Harris, in response, accurately pointed out that Trump’s proposed policies would severely restrict abortion access and potentially monitor pregnancies. She also stated that Trump would sign a national abortion ban if reelected, which Trump denied, although he has expressed support for a federal ban on abortion past 20 weeks.

**Other False Claims:**

Trump falsely claimed that Harris was tasked with negotiating peace between Ukraine and Russia, which is not true. He also claimed that inflation was virtually non-existent under his administration, despite the Consumer Price Index rising by 7.6% during his term.

Trump further claimed that the FBI crime data is fraudulent and doesn’t include cities with the worst crime, which is untrue. FBI data for 2023, based on reports from a larger number of cities than any year during Trump’s presidency, shows that violent crime is actually trending down. He also falsely claimed that the 818,000 job creation figure under Biden is fraudulent, when it is a routine revision of preliminary data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

**In conclusion, the debate was characterized by a significant number of false and misleading claims from both candidates. It’s essential for voters to rely on factual information and credible sources when evaluating the candidates’ positions and proposals.**

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