Stephen Colbert Fact-Checks Trump’s Wild Claim About Peruvian Snakebite Deaths
Stephen Colbert, host of “The Late Show,” expertly dissected a recent claim made by Donald Trump during a White House Christmas reception. Trump recounted a story involving Dr.James Jones, a White House physician, and a viper bite sustained during a trip with Barack Obama’s daughters.
During his retelling, Trump asserted that a staggering 28,000 people die annually from snake bites in Peru. This figure instantly raised eyebrows, prompting a swift and thorough fact-check by Colbert and his team.
Colbert addressed the claim directly, stating, “He said 28,000 people die a year from snake bites in Peru.” He then played a clip of Trump vehemently defending his number, insisting it wasn’t an exaggeration.
Though, the facts tell a very different story. colbert presented the actual data, revealing that between 2000 and 2015, a total of just ten people died from snake bites in Peru.
Let’s break that down for you: that’s an average of less than one death per year across a 15-year period. The discrepancy between trump’s claim and reality is immense.
Colbert paused for dramatic effect, seemingly calculating the difference before delivering a pointed remark. “And the answer is… dementia,” he quipped, highlighting the vast gulf between the stated figure and the documented truth.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying information, especially when presented as fact. You deserve accurate information, and it’s crucial to question claims that seem improbable or lack supporting evidence.
Ultimately, Colbert’s segment serves as a powerful reminder to rely on credible sources and critical thinking when evaluating information in today’s media landscape. It’s a presentation of how a seasoned commentator can effectively use humor and factual analysis to expose misinformation.
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