Donald Trump appeared to falter in last night’s live televised debate after amplifying unfounded claims that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting animals for food. The former US president, known for his controversial rhetoric, was visibly ruffled after Vice President Kamala Harris suggested his rallies were losing momentum, with attendees leaving early.
During the heated exchange, Mr Trump doubled down on a baseless rumour circulating within his campaign that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. “They’re eating the dogs, the cats, the pets of the people that live there,” Trump claimed, referencing an unfounded story that has been denied by local officials.
Debate moderators were quick to clarify that authorities have found no evidence supporting the allegations. Kamala Harris, appearing amused by Trump’s extreme remarks, dismissed the claim as “extreme” and laughed at the absurdity of his assertions.
The rumour had been previously spread by Ohio Senator JD Vance, a Trump ally, who claimed his office had received numerous inquiries about migrants supposedly abducting pets. However, Vance later admitted it was possible “all of these rumours will turn out to be false,” further weakening the credibility of the claim.
Trump’s comments drew significant backlash, as critics accused him of using the claims to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly targeting Black and brown communities. It is not the first time the former president has courted controversy over his views on immigrants, having previously made inflammatory remarks about migrants from countries like Haiti and those in Africa.
Throughout his 2024 campaign, Mr Trump has frequently focused on immigration, often linking it to rising crime and drug abuse in the US, while advocating for stricter immigration policies. Yet, his continued reliance on debunked rumours to support these narratives is likely to fuel further division on the issue.
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