Section 1 – The “Complete and Total” Cease-Fire Claim

Recently, President Trump declared on Truth Social that there was a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” between Israel and Iran, and even took credit for making it happen. In reality, Iranian officials quickly clarified that there was no formal agreement. Iran’s foreign minister explained there was no ceasefire deal—only a statement that Iran would hold back if Israel stopped its attacks.

Despite President Trump’s dramatic announcement, rocket fire and military strikes continued between Israel and Iran even after his post. President Trump went so far as to publicly scold Israel online, writing, “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS…”

Analysis by The Times of Israel and other journalists pointed out that the so-called “cease-fire” was nothing more than a political statement—there were no real negotiations or enforcement, just messaging meant to sound like diplomacy.

What worries me is how performative this was. We saw public declarations dressed up as statesmanship, but there were no real treaties or genuine peace—missiles were still flying. Bold talk with no substance isn’t harmless; it’s dangerous. And too often, people excuse it as “just his style.”

Section 2 – The “Obliterated” Iran Nuclear Claim

President Trump has also claimed that U.S. and Israeli strikes “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But independent sources, including Reuters, as well as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency, found that these strikes only set Iran’s nuclear program back by a few months. Much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—especially the underground facilities—remained intact, and enriched uranium had already been moved in advance.

Experts featured on PBS NewsHour and coverage from ABC News Australia confirmed this: yes, there was some damage, but not the “total destruction” President Trump described. Critics have pointed out that exaggerating military success not only misleads the public, but also undermines trust and diplomatic leverage.

Perhaps most concerning of all, when U.S. intelligence agencies or the IAEA contradicted his claims, President Trump called their findings “fake news.” During his first term as president, he even said publicly that he trusted Vladimir Putin more than his own intelligence agencies. He also frequently referred to U.S. intelligence officials as “stupid” or “political hacks.” When leaders choose to ignore the experts whose job it is to keep us safe, who are they really listening to? That’s not just “unconventional”—it’s dangerous.

Section 3 – Cutting Congress Out of the Loop

On June 26, 2025, President Trump announced that his administration would limit or stop sharing classified intelligence with Congress, claiming lawmakers couldn’t be trusted with sensitive information. This move came after leaked assessments contradicted his Iran strike claims. According to reports from outlets like Axios and ABC News, President Trump plans to restrict use of CAPNET, the secure system normally used to brief both House and Senate members, and delay briefings altogether. This has prompted sharp criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. (AP News coverage)

Think about what that means: Congress is one of the three branches of government, tasked with oversight. If the President decides they’re unfit to know what’s happening in the world—even when it involves war or national security—that’s not democracy. That’s the first step toward dictatorship.

I’ve spoken with Trump supporters who recoil at being told President Trump wants to be a dictator. They say it sounds dramatic. But when he openly says Congress can’t have basic intel, that’s exactly what it looks like. Removing oversight—especially in times of conflict—isn’t “unconventional.” It’s dangerous.

Section 4 – Other Inaccurate Claims That Impact People’s Lives

Iran isn’t the only topic where President Trump’s statements have strayed from the facts. He’s made sweeping claims about immigrants, Social Security, the 2020 election, and more. Yet, despite so many inaccuracies, many Americans still see him as a defender of America. I see this in my own family and community.

For example, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes or that most undocumented people are “dangerous.” But studies by organizations like the Cato Institute show that undocumented immigrants actually commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans. After all, if you’re undocumented, it makes no sense to draw attention—you’d be risking your livelihood, your safety, everything.

Then there’s the claim that Trump “saved” Social Security or never wanted to cut it. FactCheck.org shows that, in reality, he supported raising the retirement age and included cuts in past budget plans. This affects so many people I love—like me and my fiancé Josh, and family members who depend on Social Security. What scares me is that some folks who rely on these benefits don’t want to believe President Trump would ever put them at risk—because they trust him. But this is why it matters what public figures say, not just what we hope they mean.

On top of this, President Trump continues to insist the 2020 election was stolen, despite overwhelming evidence and dozens of court rulings to the contrary. Importantly, many of the judges who dismissed these claims were appointed by President Trump himself or are known conservative jurists. Their decisions were rooted in the evidence, not politics.

It’s also worth noting that outlets like Fox News and Newsmax have faced legal consequences for spreading false information. Fox settled with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million after repeatedly promoting unfounded claims that Dominion machines “flipped” votes in the 2020 election. Newsmax, meanwhile, recently paid $40 million to Smartmatic in a similar lawsuit, after airing false stories that the company helped rig the election. Both cases made it clear that spreading conspiracy theories isn’t just entertainment—it can cause real harm, and there are consequences for misleading the public.

Media watchdogs also rank Fox News and Newsmax among the worst offenders on accuracy. NewsGuard, for example, rates Newsmax a low 20/100 and Fox News around 70/100, noting they often fail basic journalistic standards (NewsGuard ratings).

When facts are blurred, and people rely on sources that don’t prioritize truth, confusion blooms—and that matters. So I urge everyone—no matter who you support—to listen closely to what leaders say, check the evidence, and think critically. It’s not about politics; it’s about the health of our country.

Section 5 – Misinformation, COVID, and Public Health

One of the things that bothers me most about President Trump is how he’s encouraged people—even those who once trusted doctors and scientists—to doubt the basics about health, medicine, and vaccines. Of course, skepticism about vaccines existed before Trump, but when COVID-19 hit, what should have been a public health challenge became a political battle. That still makes me sad and honestly, angry—because health is about protecting everyone, not scoring political points.

In my own life, I know a lot of people who’ve repeated things like “COVID is a hoax” or “they exaggerated it.” But President Trump himself admitted in an interview with Bob Woodward in 2020 that he deliberately downplayed COVID, saying, “I wanted to always play it down.” (NPR)

There was also the notorious moment when President Trump suggested that disinfectant could be injected to fight COVID. Even though he later said he was being sarcastic, poison control centers—including in Michigan—reported a spike in calls about people ingesting or being exposed to cleaning products (Washington Post). This isn’t harmless—words from the president matter.

Some brush these things off as “just Trump being Trump.” But as president, your words shape public behavior. They can help or harm. And what’s so concerning is how many public health recommendations got undermined or ignored—just because they came from “the experts” or contradicted what the president wanted people to hear. That confusion cost lives.

My dad passed away last year, but I’ll never forget one experience during COVID that really drove home how divisive things became. My dad was a very staunch Trump supporter, but he did get all of his vaccines—including his COVID shots. He had COPD and PTSD—he wore a mask in stores even though it made it harder for him to breathe, because he wanted to do the right thing and keep others safe. One day, while shopping with my sister, a woman in the store confronted him for wearing a mask and wouldn’t let up, even after he tried to explain his health problems. The encounter upset him so much that he left the store to avoid a PTSD episode. It still makes me angry how people felt entitled to police others’ choices—especially when someone was just trying to protect themselves and others. Whatever our opinions, there’s never an excuse to treat people with such disrespect.

I’ve also heard the concerns about side effects from COVID vaccines. Every time I get a COVID vaccine, for instance, I get nauseous for a few hours—nothing serious, just some appetite loss. I know others have experienced headaches, fatigue, or a sore arm. But for me, a little nausea is much better than risking a dangerous illness like COVID.

Another big question people ask: “If the vaccine works, why do some people get sick anyway?” The reality is, no vaccine is perfect—but COVID vaccines greatly reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Breakthrough infections can happen, but they’re usually much milder in vaccinated people (CDC: Breakthrough Cases).

There’s also a persistent myth that vaccines cause autism—a fear that’s led some parents to avoid vaccinating their kids. But countless studies over decades have shown there is no link between vaccines and autism (CDC on Vaccines & Autism). Sadly, when vaccination rates drop, we see outbreaks of diseases like measles—even in places like Utah, where a 2023 measles outbreak was traced to low vaccination rates (Salt Lake Tribune).

And it’s not just the public—politicians fuel the problem. Trump has amplified or appointed vaccine skeptics, including supporting figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s well known for promoting vaccine misinformation. Sometimes the loudest voices are the ones that do the most harm.

As for parents who worry about vaccine timing, it’s okay to ask for a slower schedule, though there’s no evidence it’s safer. Most doctors will work with you if it helps your peace of mind.

At the end of the day, I hope everyone will look beyond fear and rumors, and make decisions based on facts. Health isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting lives. But it seems like, more and more, President Trump goes against science—not just on health, but on other issues too. (More on that in the next section.)

Section 6 – Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Denial in the Face of Reality

This section brings me back to weather—a topic I explored in detail in my first post about the National Weather Service (NWS). While this post is mostly about why so many people put their trust in President Trump even when the facts tell a different story, climate change and extreme weather are a big part of that conversation. I do plan to get back to my series on the real-world impact of Trump administration cuts—including future posts on the EPA, Medicaid, and more—but I wanted to pause here. What Trump and his supporters say about climate change really underscores why they don’t seem to see the value in weather and environmental programs. Weather isn’t the only thing being targeted for cuts, but it’s a powerful example of why these issues matter—to our communities and to our future.

For a little more about me: I’m originally from Flint, Michigan, and I spent much of my early life in that part of the state. In the 1990s, I lived for six years in Kalamazoo, in West Michigan, before returning to Flint and eventually buying a home there. My parents retired up north in Mesick, Michigan, in 2007, and I moved to Traverse City three years ago to be closer to them. After researching the area and realizing it had better transportation options for me, it felt like the right move. So I’ve experienced Michigan from several angles—east, west, north, and now the northwest.

I’ve also spent nine years living in Tampa, Florida, and two years in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Living in Florida taught me what it’s like to prepare for hurricane season, while Arizona showed me the reality of relentless heat waves and droughts (NYT: Phoenix heat waves, AZ Central: Arizona drought). These personal experiences, along with returning to Michigan and hearing people remark, “We used to get a lot more snow than we do now,” have really shaped how I see the climate conversation.

I’ll admit—I wasn’t always convinced about climate change. Back in my twenties, I was skeptical. I figured, sure, pollution probably has some effect, but I just couldn’t believe things were as bad as some people said. One day I mentioned this to a close friend, a real weather buff, and he told me, “Vic, the scientists believe it’s real.” I asked him, “You mean the majority?” and he said, “Yeah, the vast majority.” That stuck with me and got me thinking. Slowly, as the years passed and more evidence came in, I came around to realizing he was right. The reality of climate change is bigger—and scarier—than I wanted to believe, but ignoring it won’t help.

Scientists estimate Earth has warmed about 2°F (1.1°C) since 1900. Here in Michigan, people still notice the changes: milder winters, less predictable snow, and more “weird” storms. And across the country, extreme weather is affecting more lives every year.

Another thing that absolutely shocked me as I researched for this blog post is just how much ice cover on the Great Lakes—including Lake Michigan—has dropped. Wow! In the 1970s, average maximum ice cover on the Great Lakes was around 75%, but in the past decade, it’s been closer to just 40% (Great Lakes Now). In some recent winters, Lake Michigan has seen less than 20% ice cover—a huge drop that affects everything from winter recreation to lake levels and local weather patterns. Less ice and warmer winters also mean we’re seeing more winter rain, less consistent snowfall, and changes in how spring arrives each year (MLive coverage). Honestly, I had no idea it was that extreme until I started digging into the facts.

In 2024, extreme weather hit close to home for my family. My fiancé Josh was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, where much of his family still lives. His dad and stepmom have a home in Etowah, North Carolina (in the Hendersonville area). That year, Tropical Storm Helene struck North Carolina—even though hurricanes don’t typically hit so far inland—and the area around Etowah suffered massive flooding and power outages. North Carolina News & Observer coverage Josh’s dad and stepmom were stuck in Sarasota at the time, unable to return home for weeks because of downed power lines, road closures, and flooding.

Then, just weeks later, Hurricane Milton hit Sarasota directly as a Category 3–4 storm. It caused widespread destruction, leaving millions without power and resulting in tragic fatalities. CBS News coverage, The Guardian report All of this drove home for our family just how much these so‑called “rare” weather disasters are now striking everywhere, and more often.

I was also shocked when I learned how much stronger hurricanes have gotten: average wind speeds have increased by about 8 to 18 miles per hour since the 1980s (Nature). I also didn’t know until recently that the world’s average temperature has risen by nearly 2°F since 1900. Those may sound like small numbers, but for the climate, they’re huge.

And this is about Trump—when the president of the United States is denying facts that are destructive to our planet and our livelihoods, that’s serious. When someone in that position chooses to spread misinformation or cast doubt on settled science, it puts all of us at risk. It isn’t just a difference of opinion—it’s a choice with real consequences for our environment and future.

President Trump has spent years denying climate science—calling climate change a “hoax,” pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, and rolling back critical protections. He’s pushed for his “big beautiful bill” that’s designed to support coal, oil, and gas, while stripping away clean energy incentives and tax credits for renewables and electric vehicles (Washington Post). He calls clean energy credits a “giant scam,” even as experts warn that taking them away could cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and raise costs for ordinary families (Energy Innovation Institute).

Trump has also made statements like, “If it’s cold outside, that means global warming is fake”—which totally ignores the science that climate change means more extremes, not just hotter summers (NASA: Climate Evidence).

For years, I was skeptical myself. But after seeing the data and living through these changes, I realize how dangerous it is to ignore the evidence. Denying science doesn’t make the problem go away—it just leaves us less prepared. The more we pay attention to what’s really happening, the better our chances of protecting our families, our communities, and our future.

Section 7 – Economics, Jobs, and the Reality Behind the Claims

I’ll be the first to admit: while I’ve always loved history, politics, and following the news, economics has never been my strong suit. I understand the basics—earning a living, paying bills, and trying to save a little for the future. But the deeper theories and all the technical talk sometimes go right over my head. Still, it’s a subject that matters deeply to every one of us, because it’s all about how we get by in life.

As I worked on this post, I found myself researching and learning as I went. And it’s clear to me that President Trump has made plenty of bold—and often misleading—claims about the economy, jobs, and how “great” things have supposedly been under his leadership.

One of Trump’s favorite talking points is that he “built the greatest economy in history.” But the facts are more complicated. Before the pandemic, the U.S. economy was strong in some ways—unemployment was low and the stock market was up—but growth was not unprecedented. In fact, the economy grew at an average of about 2.5% per year in Trump’s first term, which is right in line with the pace set by Barack Obama after the Great Recession (Forbes: Trump’s Economy vs. Obama’s).

Trump often claims that wages grew faster under him than any other president, but research from Pew shows that wage growth during his first term was actually steady—not especially rapid compared to other recent periods. Income inequality also grew, with the wealthiest Americans benefiting far more from tax cuts and stock market gains than working families did.

Another common myth is that Trump’s trade wars—like the tariffs on Chinese goods—were a win for American workers. In reality, independent analyses found that tariffs led to higher prices for consumers, disruptions in supply chains, and retaliatory tariffs that hit U.S. farmers especially hard (Brookings Institution: Economic Impact of Trade Wars). Billions were spent on “bailouts” to help farmers cope with lost exports, and many small businesses struggled to keep up with new costs.

President Trump also likes to take credit for job growth. But job creation in the years before COVID-19 was very similar to the pace set during Obama’s second term (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The COVID recession, of course, led to millions of lost jobs, and although recovery came, the overall record wasn’t “the best ever” as he so often claimed.

And when it comes to the national debt, Trump promised to “eliminate” it. But during his term, the federal deficit actually increased significantly—rising to record highs even before the pandemic hit (PolitiFact: National Debt). This isn’t just about numbers on a page—it affects interest rates, future spending, and the country’s ability to invest in things like Social Security, Medicare, and disaster relief.

Of course, every politician wants to take credit for a good economy. It’s normal for leaders to highlight the positives and downplay the negatives—sometimes even stretching the truth a bit. But what’s important is that we look at the real numbers and the facts behind the claims, not just the slogans or campaign promises. I’ll come back to this idea in my final thoughts.

Why does all this matter? Because economic myths don’t just stay in Washington—they trickle down to kitchen tables across the country. When leaders exaggerate, downplay, or distort the facts, real people are the ones who suffer. Families need real jobs, real wage growth, and honest information about the health of our economy—not just rosy slogans.

I also want to say, for anyone reading who struggles with money or who feels like they’re always just trying to get by: you are not alone. There are millions of us in the same boat, and we deserve leaders who level with us about the real challenges—and the real solutions—we face.

In the end, the truth about economics may be complicated, but the importance of honesty and transparency is simple. It’s something we all deserve, no matter our politics.

Section 8 – Hate, Division, and the Real-World Cost of Rhetoric

One of the things that weighs heaviest on my heart, as I write this, is the increase in hate and division I’ve seen in our country—so much of it fueled by the rhetoric coming from the top. I know people may disagree, but I believe President Trump’s words and actions have amplified divisions and made it harder for Americans to talk to each other, trust each other, or even simply disagree respectfully.

Let’s be honest: the United States has struggled with racism and inequality from the beginning. That’s not news. But I don’t think President Trump has done anything to help heal those wounds. In fact, many of the things he’s said—about immigrants, people of color, women, the disabled, journalists, and even his own critics—have made those divides deeper.

The numbers bear this out. FBI data shows hate crimes have risen dramatically over the years. In 2016 there were just over 6,000 incidents; by 2023 that number had climbed to nearly 12,000—the highest level since the FBI began tracking hate crimes. That increase includes not only anti-Black, anti-Jewish, and anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, but also more crimes against people with disabilities. Disability-based hate crimes now make up about 1.6% of all hate crimes—nearly 200 per year, up from about 80 in the early 2010s (FBI: Hate Crime Statistics).

I want to be honest about how this makes me feel. I’m angry—angry that anyone would choose to be that hateful, and I hate what that hate is doing to our country. But underlying my anger is a deep sadness—for the pain inflicted, and for what we’re losing as a nation. This isn’t hatred toward people—it’s grief for how far we’ve drifted and hope that we can return to better days.

I’m not speaking from a place of hatred myself. Some of the people I love most in this world are Trump supporters—my mom among them. I respect their choices. But what breaks my heart is how hard it’s become to talk honestly. Family conversations shut down, neighbors walk past each other without a word—some people even worry about civil unrest, not because we hate each other, but because we’ve forgotten how to listen.

That friction is fueled by rhetoric from the top. In both terms, Trump has used words like “enemy,” “traitor,” and “vermin” to describe political rivals, protesters, and the media. He encouraged chants of “lock her up!” aimed at Hillary Clinton and later Kamala Harris—and after her singing the chant at rallies, he told them it “plays great before the election” (Washington Post).

He’s mocked immigrants as “animals,” praised violence—telling crowds to “knock the crap out of them, I’ll pay your legal fees” (PBS)—and he’s repeatedly dismissed critics and disabled people in cruel ways.

As someone who is disabled, with a fiancé, family members, and friends who are disabled, I was especially hurt. In 2015, Trump mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski—a man with arthrogryposis—flailing his arms and saying “you’ve got to see this guy,” sparking widespread condemnation (Washington Post). More recently, he targeted others with disabilities and suggested that diversity hires—including people with disabilities—were less capable, implying FAA failures might be caused by “DEI policies” (AP News, Guardian). Reports even say he privately told his nephew some people with severe disabilities “should just die” (Just Security).

People with disabilities don’t choose this—they are capable, valuable, and deserving of respect. When a leader calls into question their worth or abilities, it not only hurts them—it sends a signal to others that prejudice is okay.

When a president uses cruelty as a tool, it changes how we treat each other. It gives permission for others to speak and act with the same contempt. The data shows hate has spiked—for so many groups—and it’s no coincidence that the rhetoric has grown sharper and more demeaning.

America had problems before Trump—and we still do. But instead of trying to heal, he’s often poured fuel on the fire—stoking fear, suspicion, and resentment for political gain.

I don’t say this from hate, but from love—love for my family, my country, and its promise. Words matter. They can heal or they can wound. We need leaders who understand that difference, and we need people who will stand for kindness, respect, and truth.

Conclusion – Why the Truth Still Matters

I know this has been a long post—probably the longest I’ve ever written. In fact, it took me four days to finish—from Wednesday to Saturday—because not only did I want to get the writing right, but as I researched, the sheer scope of what I found even surprised me. I always knew Trump had said things that weren’t true, but I had not realized how extensive or far-reaching those claims really were until I dug in for myself. That’s one reason this post ended up so long—there’s just so much ground to cover.

So, if you stuck with me through it all, thank you. I hope you learned something, and maybe found a new perspective—even if, like me, it’s not the most enjoyable topic to face. It’s hard to write about a president not telling the truth, but it’s far harder, I think, to pretend it isn’t happening.

I want to be clear: I don’t write any of this from a place of hate, but from a place of love—for my family, my neighbors, and my country. Some of the people I care most about are Trump supporters. We may not agree, but I believe that respectful conversation and a commitment to truth are more important than ever. I hope, if nothing else, this post encourages you to take a closer look at the facts—not just the headlines or social media memes, but the real evidence and the lived experiences of people all around us.

It’s easy to say, “all politicians lie,” or “everyone spins the truth.” And yes, a little spin is part of politics. But the scale and impact of what we’ve seen in recent years is something different—a flood of misinformation, division, and sometimes outright cruelty. When the facts don’t matter, democracy suffers. When leaders turn us against each other, our communities fracture. When cruelty is excused, the most vulnerable pay the price.

But I still believe in the possibility of something better. I believe most people want to be fair, want to help their neighbors, want to do the right thing—even if we see the world differently. We need leaders who lift us up, not tear us down. We need media and institutions that are accountable, accurate, and willing to admit mistakes. And we need each other: to listen, to learn, to challenge ourselves, and to keep pushing for the truth, even when it’s hard.

Thank you for reading, for thinking critically, and for being willing to care. That’s how change starts—not with slogans or blind loyalty, but with honest, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations. I still have hope for us. And I still believe that the truth, in the end, matters.

Because if we lose the truth, history shows us what’s at stake: with it goes our democracy, our freedoms, and the foundation of life as we know it. Let’s not let that slip away.