Fact-Checking the Clash: Harris vs. Trump in the Presidential Debate

In a historic encounter, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. This debate may mark their only direct confrontation before the presidential election slated for November 2024.

The discussion covered critical issues such as foreign policy, immigration, crime, and abortion. Throughout the debate, VERIFY fact-checked various statements made by both candidates.

Harris referred to Trump’s economic plan, asserting, “My opponent has a plan that I call the Trump sales tax, which would be a 20% tax on everyday goods.” According to Harris, economists predict this would increase costs for middle-class families by approximately $4,000 annually. VERIFY’s analysis suggests she was accurate, as economists claim tariffs are often passed onto consumers. A study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) estimates that Trump’s proposed tariffs could impose a financial burden of around $3,900 on middle-income families.

Conversely, Trump made an alarming claim regarding the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio: “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats.” City officials refuted this assertion, confirming no credible reports of pets being harmed or consumed by immigrants. Their statement included clarifications that no evidence exists for the associated rumors.

When discussing fracking, Harris stated, “I made that very clear in 2020. I will not ban fracking.” While she currently does not advocate for a ban, her position has evolved since 2019 when she expressed support for banning fracking as a presidential candidate. However, by 2020, she aligned with President Biden’s stance, indicating that there would be no ban on fracking under his administration.

Trump claimed, “I had tariffs, and yet I had no inflation.” This was inaccurate, as inflation occurred during his presidency, affecting the economy. The Consumer Price Index showed a 7.7% price increase from January 2017 to January 2021.

Trump also stated, “I got more votes [in 2020]…than any sitting president in history, by far.” This is partially true; he garnered the most votes for a sitting president. However, Joe Biden received even more votes, marking the highest turnout in U.S. history.

Despite Trump’s denials about Project 2025, connections exist between him and the initiative. Although he claims to have no associations, several former administration officials are linked to Project 2025—a plan for the future of conservatism.

In a moment addressing late-term abortions, Harris claimed, “Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion.” Experts clarified that abortions are not performed moments before or after birth; the term “post-birth” abortion is actually classified as infanticide, illegal in the U.S.

The debate underscored the differing views and claims from both candidates as the election approaches, setting the stage for a contentious political landscape in the coming months.