Demand Truth in Politics - Ban Intentional Misinformation

I am writing to express concern over the growing threat of deliberate misinformation in our public discourse and to urge the introduction of legislation to stop its spread. President Trump’s recent address to Congress demonstrated how dangerous misinformation has become, as he repeated multiple false claims that mislead the public and undermine democracy. In his speech, Trump falsely claimed that the U.S. has given $350 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, when the actual amount is closer to $120 billion (The Guardian, March 5, 2025). He also alleged widespread Social Security fraud involving benefits paid to deceased individuals, despite government audits proving that such fraud is rare and existing verification systems prevent it (AP News, March 5, 2025). Additionally, he cited outdated polling data to claim most Americans believe the country is on the right track, when recent surveys show widespread dissatisfaction (The Guardian, March 5, 2025). The deliberate spread of misinformation is a direct threat to democracy. It erodes public trust in government, making it harder for citizens to make informed decisions, especially during elections. It fuels division by spreading false narratives that pit Americans against each other. Worst of all, it allows leaders to avoid accountability by distorting facts. Without action, these lies will continue to undermine the institutions that hold our country together. Congress must act now by introducing legislation that penalizes the intentional spread of false information, promotes transparency by requiring public figures to cite verifiable sources, and invests in public education to improve media literacy. Protecting free speech does not mean allowing deliberate lies to corrupt our democracy. It’s time to take a stand for truth and accountability.