Fact-checking Trump; Pelosi talks flipping House
On inflation, immigration, tariffs and matters of war and peace, President Donald Trump presented a frequently distorted account of the state of the nation Tuesday as he claimed a “turnaround for the ages” and myriad achievements that don’t pass scrutiny.
Trump has spent the last year boasting of his accomplishments while mocking the record of his predecessor, Joe Biden. But much of this bluster has been based on misinformation, which he again fell back on during his State of the Union address.
For instance, he claimed he inherited “a stagnant economy,” but U.S. gross domestic product rose 2.8% in 2024 after adjusting for inflation — a stronger pace of growth than the 2.2% achieved last year under Trump. He also claimed he has “secured commitments for more than $18 trillion pouring in from all over the globe.” Based on statements from various companies, foreign countries and the White House’s own website, that figure appears to be exaggerated, highly speculative and far higher than the actual sum.
—The Associated Press
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
‘We have to win’: In final campaign, Pelosi seeks to flip the House
For the first time in nearly 40 years, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not be on the ballot this November. But the California Democrat is raising money and hitting the campaign trail for what she calls “the most consequential election of our time.”
For decades, Pelosi has raised money for Democrats, recruited candidates, and strategized policy and campaign tactics. But this race is different, and not just because she herself will not be on the ballot.
“I’ve been in politics a long time, as you know, and we’ve had Democratic presidents, Republican presidents, and it’s never been a fight for our democracy,” she told Spectrum News in an exclusive interview. “They’ve all been patriots until now. We have to win this race. … Our democracy is at stake.”
—Spectrum News’ Cassie Semyon
Casey Means faces Senate health committee in confirmation hearing to be U.S. surgeon general
During her Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday for U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means said she will focus on the root causes of the rise of chronic disease with a focus on affordable and accessible foods for all Americans.
During an occasionally contentious hearing before the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur said she believes vaccines save lives but encouraged patients to speak with their doctors for advice.
“As surgeon general, I would call on every American and the public health service to join in a great national healing — one that halts preventable chronic disease, makes healthy living the easiest choice, honors the body’s connection to the environment and puts America back on the road towards wholeness and health,” she said during her opening statement.
—Spectrum News’ Susan Carpenter
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listen during the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Clintons to be deposed by lawmakers in Epstein probe
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to give testimony to the House Oversight Committee this week as part of the congressional committee’s probe into the late, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Hillary Clinton is slated to be deposed Thursday, with Bill Clinton’s testimony on the calendar for the following day. Both will take place in Chappaqua, New York, according to a spokesperson for the committee.
Several photographs of Bill Clinton were included in the trove of files made public in December by the Justice Department. The former president had a well-documented relationship with Epstein in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Clintons have said they had no knowledge that Epstein was sexually abusing underage girls before his arrest.
—Spectrum News’ Christina Santucci
Trump’s call for congressional stock purchase ban draws bipartisan support as bills await movement
President Donald Trump’s apparent backing of efforts to ban members of Congress from purchasing stocks is receiving support from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, as numerous pieces of legislation on the matter still await significant action.
“As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, let’s also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information,” Trump said during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address after touting the strength of the stock market. He went on to implore members of Congress to “pass the Stop Insider Trading act without delay.”
The lines were met with applause and standing ovations from lawmakers in the chamber. One shot showed Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts standing and clapping. It marked one of just a few moments in an at times rowdy address that received bipartisan support.
—Spectrum News’ Maddie Gannon
More Wednesday reads
• Iran accuses Trump of ‘big lies’ ahead of Geneva talks in face of major U.S. military deployment
• Ukrainian officials to meet Trump envoys in Geneva over more Russia talks
• Supreme Court rules against private prison firm facing forced-work suit from immigration detainees
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