Media Accuses Trump Of Lying About What?

President Trump’s latest remarks defending his financial dealings while in office are drawing fresh scrutiny, with media outlets accusing him of making several false historical claims.

During an exchange with reporters about his cryptocurrency business, Trump said that George Washington kept two desks while serving as president—one for official duties and another for private business—and argued that presidents are allowed to separate the two. Trump added that, unlike Washington, he chooses not to discuss business matters with his children.

Media organizations quickly challenged the claim, pointing to historians who have previously said there is no evidence Washington maintained separate desks for presidential and personal business. Critics argue Trump has repeatedly cited the anecdote over the years while responding to questions about his own financial interests during his presidency.

The renewed attention comes after Trump’s latest financial disclosure showed he earned more than $1 billion from cryptocurrency-related ventures in 2025. His comments about Washington were made as he sought to address questions over those earnings and his family’s involvement in the crypto industry.

Media outlets also accused Trump of making several other inaccurate claims in recent days. Among them was his statement that 38,000 Americans died building the Panama Canal. Historical records indicate roughly 5,600 workers died during the American construction phase, with the overwhelming majority being laborers from the Caribbean rather than American citizens. Thousands more died during the earlier French construction effort, but historians say Trump’s figure does not align with documented U.S. fatalities.

Trump also repeated his claim that he was the first president to donate his salary while in office. Historians have noted that former Presidents Herbert Hoover and John F. Kennedy also donated their presidential salaries, making Trump’s assertion inaccurate.

At a White House event this week, Trump further stated that he had won “three elections” while using the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” at campaign events. Media organizations pointed out that Trump won the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections but lost the 2020 election, a result he has continued to dispute despite courts and election officials rejecting claims of widespread fraud.