Social media is full of claims. Some are true. Some are not. Lately, a new one, “Minimum Wage Increase,” is making the rounds.
Videos are going viral saying that former President Donald Trump raised the minimum wage to $25 per hour.
That sounds like big news. But here’s the truth:
No law or record is that Trump raised the federal minimum wage to $25.
Let’s break down what’s being claimed, what’s real, and how to tell the difference.
What the Viral Videos Say
You may have seen these videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts. They usually show Trump speaking. On top of the video, bold words flash across the screen. Things like:
- “Trump raised the minimum wage to $25/hour!”
- “Wage boost under Trump!”
- “New law signed by Trump: $25 wage!”
These clips often include dramatic music or patriotic flags. They look official. They feel powerful. But they’re misleading.
Most of them don’t give any real facts. No source. No law name. No date.
The Real Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour.
It has been stuck at that number since 2009.
That’s more than 15 years with no change at the national level.
Each state can set its own minimum wage. Some do. Places like California and New York have higher rates. But the federal number is still $7.25.
Did Trump Raise the Minimum Wage?
Trump did not raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour.
He didn’t raise it to any number.
During his time in office (2017 to 2021), the federal wage did not change, there was no new law, no executive order, and no signed bill on this topic.
Yes, some states raised their wages while Trump was in office. But those changes came from state leaders—not the president.
Where Did This Claim Come From?
The false claim likely started from a mix of things.
First, Trump often talked about helping workers and growing the economy. Some people may have twisted those words.
Second, the videos use clips out of context. They might show Trump speaking about jobs—but add fake captions about wage laws.
Third, some creators make these videos just for views. They don’t care if it’s true. They want attention.
People see it. They share it. And the lie spreads.
What Did Trump Actually Say About Wages?
Trump didn’t focus much on raising wages during his time in office.
He said he wanted to keep jobs strong and taxes low. He left minimum wage decisions to states.
He never pushed for a federal wage hike. He never called for a $25/hour wage. And he never signed any law about it.
What Is Biden Doing?
President Joe Biden has said he supports a higher wage. He wants to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.
In 2021, the House of Representatives tried to pass it. But the full law never went through Congress.
So, the wage stayed at $7.25.
Some federal workers and contractors now get $15/hour due to an executive order. But that’s not for everyone. It’s not a full wage law.
So again, no $25/hour wage increase has happened.
How to Spot Fake Claims Online
It’s easy to get tricked. But you can protect yourself. Here’s how:
- Check the source: Is the post from a real news site?
- Search the facts: Look it up on Google or Bing.
- Watch for edits: Clips with flashy text or music may be fake.
- Ask questions: Where’s the law? When did it pass? Who confirmed it?
Final Thoughts
The internet is full of claims. Some sound great. Some sound scary. But not all are real.
The idea that Donald Trump raised the minimum wage to $25/hour is false. No law exists. No record shows he made this change. It’s just another viral rumor.
Always check before you share. A few seconds of fact-checking can stop a false story from spreading.
Stay informed. Stay sharp. And always ask: “Is this true?”