Commentary: President Trump lied repeatedly yesterday during a speech in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, making false claims about everything from the economy to health care. DPNM Chair Marg Elliston responded directly after the rally saying, “New Mexicans aren’t fooled by these lies, and we aren’t interested in the president’s failed policies.”
Here are some of President Trump’s most egregious lies from last night:
President Trump: “China is eating the tariffs...the prices are very similar”
The Reality: President Trump’s trade war has threatened 218,000 jobs in our state and increased prices for New Mexican farmers. His reckless and erratic approach to trade is hurting hardworking New Mexicans.
President Trump: “I said I was going to cut your taxes. I did.”
The Reality: President Trump’s tax bill mostly benefits the wealthy and powerful. Many families lost out on key deductions this year, and by 2027, the president’s tax bill will actually increase taxes on average New Mexicans.
President Trump: “We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions.”
The Reality: President Trump has repeatedly tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a move that would allow insurance companies to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions and leave as many as 300,000 New Mexicans without health care.
President Trump: “A lot of that money is going to be spent in the state of the art military equipment that's being used at Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, Kirtland Air Force Base and many other vital New Mexico military installations”
The Reality: President is stealing $125 million from projects that are designed to keep New Mexico service members combat-ready, including projects at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range, to fund his unnecessary border wall.
President Trump: “I'll tell you what we're going to win the state of New Mexico”
The Reality: Since losing New Mexico by 8 points in 2016, President Trump’s net approval in our state has fallen 30 points, and Democrats saw increased turnout in 2018, when we won every statewide race.