Trump’s Congressional Address Sparks Controversy with Unverified Claims on Stacey Abrams and New Tariffs Amid Fentanyl Crisis

In a recent address to Congress, former President Donald Trump made several claims regarding financial allocations and national security concerns. Trump asserted that a group allegedly led by Stacey Abrams received $1.9 billion for a “decarbonization of homes” initiative. However, official records indicate that in 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $2 billion grant to Power Forward Communities to support sustainable housing projects. There is no verified information linking Stacey Abrams to this grant.

The claim about Abrams was part of a broader narrative presented by Trump during his speech, where he also discussed new tariffs imposed on the United States’ three largest trading partners. He justified these tariffs by citing a “national emergency” related to the influx of fentanyl across the country’s borders. Trump specifically pointed to Mexico and Canada, accusing them of allowing unprecedented levels of fentanyl into the United States, which he claimed was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of citizens.

Despite these assertions, experts in drug policy and economic research suggest that the fentanyl crisis may be showing signs of improvement. The introduction of tariffs comes at a time when efforts to combat the epidemic are reportedly yielding positive results, according to these experts. This context raises questions about the timing and rationale behind the new trade measures.

The CBS News Confirmed team is actively fact-checking Trump’s statements from his 2025 joint address to Congress. This marks his first speech to both chambers since winning the presidential election in November. As the fact-checking process continues, the accuracy of Trump’s claims and their implications for policy and international relations remain under scrutiny.