Misinformation has become a defining force in modern politics, influencing public perception and shaping policies at the highest levels. The Trump administration’s handling of economic, immigration, and government efficiency narratives demonstrates how misleading claims and selective statistics fuel controversial policy decisions. From the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to tariffs and tax cuts, misinformation is being weaponized to justify drastic government actions.

DOGE 

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Donald Trump upon taking office, has been at the center of widespread misinformation. Claims about DOGE’s role in government downsizing, Social Security office closures, and financial mismanagement have circulated widely.

For instance, social media users falsely claimed DOGE was shutting down 47 Social Security offices nationwide. While DOGE did publish a list of lease terminations, data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicated that 64 locations were affected, mostly remote hearing spaces rather than public-facing offices. This selective disclosure allowed misleading narratives to take hold, fueling concerns about Social Security benefits being at risk.

Additionally, exaggerated reports circulated about DOGE uncovering widespread fraud, including a Louisiana man allegedly using 34 identities to collect Social Security benefits—claims that were later debunked. Further misinformation spread regarding DOGE canceling payments for business loans to children and former U.S. President Barack Obama receiving millions in Obamacare royalty payments, both of which were false.

The Immigration ‘Invasion’ Narrative

Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deportations marked an unprecedented use of wartime authority. Declaring that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua constituted an “invading force,” Trump authorized the rapid removal of suspected members without legal proceedings. However, the administration failed to provide evidence linking deportees to gang activity, leading to legal challenges and a temporary halt to removals by a federal judge.

Despite the court’s ruling, deportation flights proceeded, raising concerns about the administration’s disregard for legal oversight. Critics argue that the sweeping application sets a dangerous precedent for targeting non-citizens based on broad classifications rather than due process.The Trump administration also transferred over 250 deported individuals to El Salvador’s high-security prisons despite the lack of evidence that they were actual members of criminal organizations. The administration’s justification for these deportations relied on fear-based narratives rather than verifiable intelligence.

Economic Misinformation: Tax Cuts, Tariffs, and Trade

Misinformation has also played a central role in economic policy, particularly regarding tax cuts and tariffs. Trump’s push to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was accompanied by misleading claims that the cuts benefited “everybody.” In reality, while two-thirds to three-quarters of taxpayers would receive some benefit, the wealthiest Americans would see the largest relief, both in dollar amounts and as a percentage of income.

Some Democrats falsely suggested the tax cuts solely benefited billionaires, disregarding the fact that middle-income Americans would receive some financial relief; albeit at a lower scale. This bipartisan spin underscores how economic data is often manipulated to fit political narratives.

Trump’s justification for imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China rested on the claim that the U.S. was at its economic peak during the tariff-heavy late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, economists widely refute this claim, citing immigration, industrialization, and technological advancements, (not tariffs) as the primary drivers of economic growth during that period.

Trump also suggested tariffs could replace income taxes, a notion that economists labeled mathematically impossible. Tariffs accounted for only 1.7% of federal revenue in 2024, compared to the $2.2 trillion collected through income taxes. To match tax revenue, tariffs would need to be set at an unattainable 70% on all imports.

The White House justified these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), claiming they would curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. However, no economic analysis supports the notion that tariffs on general imports deter illicit drug smuggling or migration patterns.

Federal Work and Government Spending

Beyond economic policy, false claims about federal employees and government waste have circulated widely. One viral rumor stated that only 6% of federal employees work in an office, fueling narratives about government inefficiency. In reality, a 2024 study from the Office of Management and Budget found that over 50% of federal employees work fully on-site. This misinformation aligns with broader efforts to portray government agencies as bloated and ineffective to justify budget cuts.

Public trust in institutions erodes when misinformation spreads unchecked, and policy decisions based on misleading data can have devastating effects on vulnerable populations. The DOGE’s selective transparency, the misuse of wartime laws for deportations, and the distortion of economic realities all highlight the need for critical engagement with political rhetoric. As misinformation continues to shape public discourse, it is imperative that fact-based journalism and rigorous scrutiny remain at the forefront of reporting. Without accountability, the weaponization of falsehoods will continue to mislead the public and justify extreme policy measures.

References

• Clarke, A. (2025, March 15). Here’s what to know about the claim DOGE is closing 47 Social Security offices. Snopes.
• Farley, R. (2025, March 12). Both sides spin who would benefit from extending Trump tax cuts. FactCheck.org.
• Gore, D. (2025, March 11). Trump’s flawed claim that tariffs made the U.S. its richest. FactCheck.org.
• PerryCook, T. (2025, March 15). Every DOGE rumor we’ve fact-checked so far. Snopes.
• Riccardi, N. (2025, March 16). Trump administration deports hundreds of immigrants even as a judge orders their removals be stopped. AP News.
• RumorGuard. (2025, March 11). No, it’s not true that only 6% of federal employees work in an office. News Literacy Project.
• Sullivan, T., & Spagat, E. (2025, March 15). The Alien Enemies Act: What to know about a 1798 law that Trump has invoked for deportations. AP News.
• White House. (2025, February 1). Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump imposes tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The White House.