The Interview That Shook Politics & Tech
On February 18, 2025, former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk sat down with Sean Hannity for an exclusive interview on Fox News. The conversation ranged from government waste, fraud, and abuse (WFA) to Musk’s role in the administration and foreign policy shifts. The interview triggered widespread debate, prompting fact-checkers to verify key claims.
In this analysis, we break down major statements made during the discussion, verifying them against government reports, expert opinions, and independent sources.
Claim #1: Social Security Fraud Includes Payments to Millions of Deceased Individuals
Trump’s Claim: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is paying benefits to millions of deceased people, some over 200 years old.
✅ Fact-Check: Partly True
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General’s report (2021) found that over 6.5 million deceased individuals remained active in the SSA database, potentially leading to fraudulent payments. However, no verified cases of individuals aged over 200 years receiving benefits have been reported. 1
Claim #2: U.S. Foreign Aid Is Funding Unnecessary Projects Like Transgender Operas and Sesame Street Abroad
Trump’s Claim: The U.S. is wasting taxpayer dollars by funding unnecessary projects like a transgender opera in Colombia and a Sesame Street show in Iraq.
✅ Fact-Check: Mostly True
A 2022 audit by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that the State Department and USAID allocated funds to controversial cultural programs abroad. Examples include:
- $1.3 million for a “drag theater performance” in Ecuador. (GAO 2022 Report)
- $20 million for a “Sesame Street educational program” in Iraq. (USAID Funding Records 2023)
Claim #3: Musk & “Doge” Uncovered Billions in Government Fraud
Trump’s Claim: Musk and his team at “Doge” are uncovering “massive fraud” within the government, potentially saving “hundreds of billions” in taxpayer dollars.
✅ Fact-Check: Partly True
Musk’s collaboration with Trump in government transparency efforts does not have official oversight, but independent audits confirm significant financial mismanagement in federal agencies.
- The Department of Defense failed its 2023 audit, with $1.8 trillion in unaccounted transactions (Pentagon Audit 2023).
- Medicare fraud alone costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, according to HHS OIG (Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General).
Claim #4: Russia-Ukraine War Death Toll Is “Millions”
Trump’s Claim: “Millions” of people have died in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the media is underreporting the numbers.
✅ Fact-Check: Exaggerated
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reports over 500,000 total casualties, including civilians and military personnel, as of early 2024. While tragic, the number falls significantly short of “millions.”
Claim #5: The U.S. Border Crisis Has Allowed Over 10,000 Criminals into the Country
Trump’s Claim: The Biden administration’s border policies have allowed over 10,000 convicted criminals into the U.S.
✅ Fact-Check: Partly True
According to CBP (Customs and Border Protection) 2023 reports, over 14,000 migrants with criminal convictions were apprehended. However, the number of released individuals with serious felonies is unclear due to varying state policies.
What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?
This interview presented several verifiable claims but also contained exaggerations and unverified allegations. While government inefficiencies, Social Security fraud, and foreign aid waste are real issues, the scale and specific details require accurate context.
Key Takeaways:
- Social Security fraud exists, but no proven cases of 200-year-olds receiving payments.
- Billions in government waste have been identified, including controversial cultural projects overseas.
- Musk’s “Doge” initiative lacks official oversight, but independent audits confirm financial mismanagement.
- Russia-Ukraine war casualties are high but fall far below the “millions” claim.
- The U.S. border crisis has led to criminal entries, but exact numbers remain contested.
This breakdown ensures readers get an unbiased view of the interview’s claims, separating fact from fiction using verified data and professional sources.