The Truth Behind the Vice Presidential Debate Claims: Fact-Checked by KHOU 11 VERIFY Team
The recent vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance sparked a heated discussion on various topics. The KHOU 11 VERIFY Team took on the task of fact-checking the claims made by both candidates during the debate.
On the debate stage in New York, Tim Walz, a two-term Democratic governor of Minnesota, and JD Vance, a Republican freshman senator from Ohio, squared off against each other, representing their respective running mates. The debate provided them with the opportunity to present their ideas, defend their positions, and challenge their opponents.
Here’s a breakdown of some key claims made during the debate:
Claim from Vance: On American Manufacturing and Energy
“The answer is that you’d want to restore as much American manufacturing as possible, and you’d want to produce as much energy as possible in the United States of America because we’re the cleanest economy in the entire world,” Vance stated in reference to climate change.
The Verdict:
According to the World Economic Forum energy transition report in 2024, the United States ranks 19th on its list of countries moving toward cleaner energy.
Claim from Walz: On Donald Trump’s Tax Payments
“Donald Trump hasn’t paid any federal tax in the last 15 years,” Walz claimed.
The Verdict:
Trump paid $1.1 million in taxes while he was president but did not pay taxes in 2020. Due to incomplete records, it’s uncertain if he paid taxes in other years.
Claim from Vance: On Illegal Immigration
“We’ve got 20-25 million illegal aliens who are here in this country,” Vance asserted regarding immigration.
The Verdict:
Different immigration groups estimate the illegal population in America ranges from 10.9 million to 16.8 million, using various methodologies.
Claim from Walz: On Project 2025 and Pregnancy Registries
“Project 2025 is going to have a registry of pregnancies,” Walz mentioned.
The Verdict:
Project 2025 is a conservative manifesto recommending restrictions on abortion access but does not entail creating a federal agency to monitor pregnancies or requiring pregnant individuals to register.
After thorough fact-checking, the VERIFY Team uncovered the truth behind the claims made by Walz and Vance. Stay informed and check back for more verified information!