Fact-checking Trump’s Alabama rally: What the president’s Mobile speech got wrong

1 month ago 8

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Supporters watch as speakers make remarks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Supporters cheer on President Donald Trump as he speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter watches as speakers make remarks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Supporters watch as speakers make remarks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter walks around the arena ahead of President Donald Trump's speech during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter watches as speakers make remarks ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., takes the stage ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican congressional nominee for District 1 Jerry Carl takes the stage ahead of President Donald Trump during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

The upper levels of the arena seen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks with President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Supporters of US President Donald Trump wait for him to speaks at a midterm campaign rally at The Mitchell Center of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama on October 2, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., listens as President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Supporters of US President Donald Trump cheer as they wait for him to speaks at a midterm campaign rally at The Mitchell Center of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama on October 2, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Political activist Laura Loomer arrives for a campaign rally in the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama on October 02, 2026 in Mobile, Alabama. The rally is being held in Alabama's 1st Congressional District which was redrawn when the state redistricted earlier this year. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

People arrive before President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

People wave as the motorcade for U.S. President Donald Trump passes on its way to the University of South Alabama on October 02, 2026 in Mobile, Alabama. The rally is being held in Alabama's 1st Congressional District which was redrawn when the state redistricted earlier this year. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

US President Donald Trump greets Mayor of Mobile Spiro Cheriogotis as he steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Mobile International Airport in Mobile, Alabama on October 2, 2026. Trump is in Alabama to speak at a midterm campaign rally. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Congressional candidate Rhett Marques speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jerry Carl, congressional candidate in Alabama's 1st congressional district, gestures before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Senate candidate Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., waves before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Katherine Robertson, running for Alabama Attorney General, waves before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Pastor Travis Johnson gives the invocation before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Chair of the Alabama Republican Party Scott Stadthagen speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at The Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outside the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outside the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outside the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outisde the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

President Donald Trump gestures from the stairs of Air Force One upon his departure at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outside the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

Supporters of President Donald Trump outisde the Mitchel Center on The University of South Alabama in Mobile on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/Al.com)

Protestors gather on the campus of the University of South Alabama ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally ahead of the midterm elections in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Signs welcome President Donald Trump ahead of a rally with Alabama elected officials at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., ahead of the midterm elections, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A man tests the microphone ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally with Alabama elected officials at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., ahead of the midterm elections, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Protestors march along the campus of the University of South Alabama ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally ahead of the midterm elections in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Protestors gather on the campus of the University of South Alabama ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally ahead of the midterm elections in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Protestors march along the campus of the University of South Alabama ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally ahead of the midterm elections in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Protestors march along the campus of the University of South Alabama ahead of President Donald Trump’s rally ahead of the midterm elections in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

The jumbotron reads “Make America Great Again,” ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican congressional candidate Rhett Marques takes the stage ahead of President Donald Trump5 during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for senate Barry Moore speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Laura Loomer seen ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A man wearing a “Bikers for Trump” vest seen ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Supporters pray ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for lieutenant governor John Wahl speaks ahead of President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter walks around the arena ahead of President Donald Trump's speech during a rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter waits for President Donald Trump to take the stage during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A supporter waits for President Donald Trump to take the stage during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for senate Barry Moore speaks ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Secret Service agents are seen as President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican nominee for Alabama governor Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., takes the stage ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican congressional nominee Rhett Marques speaks alongside President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican congressional candidate Jerry Carl speaks alongside President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., seen ahead of President Donald Trump during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Republican congressional candidate Jerry Carl speaks alongside President Donald Trump and congressional candidate Rhett Marques during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Republican senate nominee Barry Moore during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Supporters fill the stands ahead of President Donald Trump’s speech during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump speaks during rally at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

President Donald Trump delivered a midterm speech that lasted well over an hour Friday at the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama, mixing attacks on Democrats with praise for his administration.

Read Entire Article