Fact Check: Did Trump suggest starting a war for Republicans to win midterms?
WASHINGTON, DC: As the Republicans are projected to lose the midterm elections, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump suggested starting a war for the GOP to win the election. The claim has sparked criticism and concern, with users questioning its authenticity, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Donald Trump suggested starting a war
According to a post that surfaced on X, Trump says there may still be time to save the midterms for Republicans by starting a new war.
"Look, the polling numbers could be better; we all know it," Trump allegedly said in an address to GOP supporters on Friday.
"But as we all know, nothing brings the country together like a brand-new, high-stakes military escalation in a country thousands of miles away. A big, beautiful war. With lots of bombs.”
"You look at the polling, and people love a wartime leader," Trump explained.
"Especially if it's me. We start something fast, maybe over the weekend. A very powerful, very beautiful conflict. Completely destroy Cuba. Suddenly, everyone forgets about inflation and voters run straight to the ballot box.”
The claim has triggered concern and criticism from online users, while a few others remained skeptical and called for a fact check.
Fact Check: The claim originated as satire
However, the claim is false, as there are no records of Trump suggesting starting a war to endorse Republicans ahead of the November election.
There are no recent reports, press releases, or official statements from the president or the White House that match the above statement.
If Trump had made such a remark, prominent news outlets would have reported it, and it would have made headlines.
Moreover, the claim originated from an X account called ‘The Babylon Bee,’ which describes itself in the bio as ‘fake news.’ Hence, the claim was intended as satire, made for the sake of engagement.
Donald Trump proposed $5,000 to every American
The claim surfaced after Trump proposed earlier this month giving $5,000 to every American if Republicans won the upcoming midterm election, which he described as a return tied to what he called the country’s economic success.
"Here is my promise: If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them, because of our tremendous economic success, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000," Trump said.
