Fact-checkers seize on Ivanka Trump speech claiming 'Dad' delivered on everything he promised four years ago

‘My father has strong convictions. He knows what he believes’

Ivanka Trump has delivered an impassioned defence of her father, claiming he had delivered on every promise made four years ago, only to find her words leapt on almost immediately by media fact-checkers.

Ms Trump, 38, spoke to introduce Donald Trump's nomination acceptance speech in the grounds of the White House on the final night of the Republican National Convention.

“My father has strong convictions," she said. "He knows what he believes, and says what he thinks. Whether you agree with him or not, you always know where he stands.

“I recognise that my dad’s communication style is not to everyone’s taste. And I understand his tweets can feel a bit unfiltered. But the results – the results speak for themselves.”

She added: “Dad, people attack you for being unconventional, but I love you for being real, and I respect you for being effective.”

Donald Trump speaks at the White House during the Republican National Convention (EPA)

Yet as soon as Ms Trump completed her speech and introduced her father and first lady Melania Trump, media fact checkers were busily unpicking her claims, including that the president had delivered on every promise he made when he was elected in 2016.

For instance, the New York Times said Ms Trump’s claim that her father had been forced to close down the strongest economy in decades to save American lives was exaggerated.

“It is true that the unemployment rate was its lowest in half a century before the pandemic struck, and recent job and wage gains were especially strong for people who had long been on the sidelines, benefiting low-income workers and minority groups,” wrote its fact checker.

“But given the extreme levels of income and wealth inequality that are prevailing in the economy, it is hard to label this the “most inclusive economy”.”

Ms Trump also said: “As part of Republican tax cuts in 2019 alone, our child tax credit put over $2,000 into the pockets of 40 million American families.”

CNN said this was only partly true, saying “the tax overhaul bill also denied the full $1,000 child tax credit increase for more than 26 million children in low- and moderate-income families”.

Ms Trump is widely believed to be the president’s favourite child and tipped among his supporters as his preferred successor - though Don Jr would also stake a claim on that front.

On Thursday night she sought to humanise her father, describing what she painted as his personal anguish at the toll taken by the pandemic.

“As our nation endures this grave trial, I pray for the families who are mourning the loss of a loved one, for all those who are battling Covid-19, and for the first responders and the healthcare heroes who remain on the front lines of this fight,” she said.

“The grief, sorrow and anxiety during this time is felt by us all. I’ve been with my father and seen the pain in his eyes when he receives updates on the lives that have been stolen by this plague. I have witnessed him make some of the most difficult decisions of his life.”