Fact-Checking Kamala Harris’s Speech and More: Day 4 of the D.N.C.

Kamala Harris Accepts Nomination

Last night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination for president. She cited her biography and expressed explicit concerns over her opponent, former President Donald J. Trump, as an “unserious man” aiming to return the United States to past politics. The speeches for the evening and earlier in the week focused largely on hope and ideals, with most speakers staying within the bounds of factual accuracy. This article will examine some of the claims made during these speeches.

Fact-Checking Key Claims

On Social Security and Medicare

“Donald Trump was asked what he would do about Social Security and Medicare, and he said, and I quote, ‘There is a lot you can do in terms of cutting.’” — Senator Tammy Baldwin, Democrat of Wisconsin

This statement requires context. Senator Baldwin was referring accurately to remarks made by Mr. Trump in a March interview where he indeed mentioned possibilities of cutting entitlements. However, Trump and his campaign later clarified this was in reference to “waste”. Mr. Trump consistently promised on the campaign trail that he will not seek cuts to either program. However, while in office previously, he did propose potential cost reductions for Medicare and welfare programs for people with disabilities.

On Allegations about Soldiers

“A serial liar, cheater, thief who looked soldiers in the eye, then turned around and called fallen heroes suckers and losers.” — Representative Pat Ryan, Democrat of New York

This claim also needs context. The assertion that Mr. Trump, during his presidential term, labeled veterans “suckers” and “losers” originates from an article in The Atlantic back in 2020. Trump emphatically denied these statements since the article’s publication. While the original article used anonymous sources, other sources have corroborated the accounts, including Mr. Trump’s previous White House Chief of Staff, retired four-star Marine general John F. Kelly.

About Inviting Russia

“He invited Russia to do — and these are his words, not mine — ‘whatever the hell they want.’” — Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona

This requires context too. While quoting Trump, Senator Kelly took out an important caveat. The former president did indeed state that he told a NATO member country that Russia could do “whatever the hell they want” if the country did not meet NATO’s military spending goals. But this comment was not a carte blanche invitation to Russia.

Veteran Unemployment Rate Under Harris Administration

Kamala Harris “has achieved the lowest veteran unemployment rate in history.” — Representative Ruben Gallego, Democrat of Arizona

This statement is true. Under the Biden-Harris administration, in April 2023, the unemployment rate for veterans stooped to 2.2 percent, marking the lowest rate since 2003. Though the rate has somewhat increased since then, these numbers testify to the efficacy of the current administration on this front.

About Tax Breaks for Billionaires

“He doesn’t actually fight for the middle class. Instead, he fights for himself and his billionaire friends. And he will give them another round of tax breaks that will add up to $5 trillion to the national debt.” — Vice President Kamala Harris

This claim is somewhat misleading. While calling for multiple tax cuts during his presidential campaign, former President Trump has expressed the desire to extend the cuts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, benefiting not just billionaires but also middle-income Americans.

Trump Tax

“He intends to enact what is, in effect, a national sales tax — call it a Trump tax — that would raise prices on middle-class families by almost $4,000 a year.” — Vice President Kamala Harris

This assertion needs context. Vice President Harris was referring to Trump’s proposals to impose 10 to 20 percent tariffs on most imported goods, and a 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Estimates of the potential costs to the average family do indeed reach $3,900 per annum, while other estimates vary.