Fact-Check Summary
The Truth Social post makes several sweeping claims about tariffs: immense revenue, positive effects on the U.S. economy and stock market, non-existent inflation, and that foreign entities bear the burden. In reality, U.S. tariff revenue has never reached trillions in a single year; the current figure is $108 billion year-to-date, with long-term net projections under $2.2 trillion over a decade. Independent research, including from Goldman Sachs and the Yale Budget Lab, demonstrates that tariffs increase costs for U.S. consumers and businesses, contributing to higher inflation, lower GDP growth, and higher prices, particularly for essential goods like clothing and shoes. The claim that tariffs have not caused inflation or been problematic is directly negated by economic evidence, which estimates inflationary impacts between 1.5% and 2.3%. The stock market’s performance is mixed, influenced more by monetary policy and global economic factors than tariffs. The personal attack on David Solomon is unrelated to the factual accuracy of Goldman Sachs’ tariff analysis, which aligns with mainstream economics. The post fundamentally misrepresents the distribution and consequences of tariffs and exaggerates their benefits.
Belief Alignment Analysis
The post undermines informed democratic discourse by substituting exaggeration and distortion for evidence-based reasoning. It employs divisive and derogatory language toward David Solomon and Goldman Sachs, dismissing well-founded economic analysis in favor of ad hominem attacks. Rather than promoting public understanding or civil debate, the rhetoric prioritizes political narrative over shared facts and constructive conversation. This approach undercuts norms of truthfulness, transparency, and mutual respect essential to an inclusive, effective democracy. The honesty of disagreement is not the issue; it is the abandonment of factual rigor for partisan talking points that challenges democratic values.
Opinion
While legitimate policy debate around trade and tariffs is necessary in a democracy, this post prioritizes hyperbole and misdirection over a careful engagement with data or expert consensus. By dismissing established research and relying on personal attacks, it fails to model the civic responsibility and factual discourse needed to advance public deliberation on complex economic issues. Encouraging critical thinking and transparency about policy impacts would better serve both the public and policymakers.
TLDR
The post’s core claims about tariffs generating trillions, causing no inflation, and being paid for by foreigners are false or grossly misleading. Most economic research finds tariffs harm U.S. consumers and slow growth. Personal criticism of analysts is irrelevant. The post does not align with democratic norms of honesty or debate.
Claim: Tariffs brought in trillions, have been overwhelmingly positive for the U.S. economy and stock market, caused no inflation, and are mostly paid by foreign entities; Goldman Sachs and David Solomon are wrong.
Fact: Actual tariff revenue in 2025 is $108 billion, with ten-year net projections under $2.2 trillion. Studies find tariffs have increased inflation 1.5%-2.3%, harmed GDP, and the majority of the burden is borne by U.S. consumers/businesses, not foreigners. Goldman Sachs’ analysis aligns with mainstream consensus.
Opinion: The post misleads the public, dismisses evidence, and uses personal attacks in place of constructive debate. Criticism of rigorous economic research should address substance, not resort to hyperbole.
TruthScore: 2
True: U.S. customs revenue has increased from tariffs; David Solomon is a DJ as well as a bank CEO.
Hyperbole: “Trillions” collected, “incredible” economic success from tariffs, and claims of no inflation or negative effects.
Lies: Tariffs have not caused inflation or problems for America; consumers are not paying tariffs; tariffs are overwhelmingly paid by foreign companies/governments.