Sun Sep 15 15:00:59 UTC 2024: ## Ohioans Slam Trump and Vance for Spreading False Claims About Haitian Migrants Eating Pets
**Springfield, Ohio** – Following a week of national headlines, the false claims made by both former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, regarding Haitian migrants in Springfield have sparked outrage among Ohio residents.
The claims, which allege that Haitian migrants are killing and eating pets in the city, have been widely debunked by city officials and the police. However, Trump repeated the accusations during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, further amplifying the false narrative.
In response, Ohioans are speaking out against the harmful rhetoric. An edition of **The Columbus Dispatch** featured letters to the editor expressing their disappointment and concern.
Pat Rhoades, in his letter, questioned if any other Ohioan was “in disbelief that our elected officials portrayed Ohio in such a ridiculous, racist way?” He further argued that the false claims could be easily manipulated by vulnerable individuals and questioned the judgment of Trump and Vance.
Another letter by Ben Freudenreich, titled “While we focus on lie about Haitians eating dogs and cats, MAGA dismantles America”, called the claims a distraction tactic employed by the “MAGA” movement to divert attention from their attacks on democratic institutions. He urged voters to focus on preserving the “United States we have known and loved” by voting for Democrats.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican, has also condemned the false claims, stating that the rhetoric from federal politicians has negatively impacted the city. He believes that the hurtful words have fueled backlash against the immigrant community and contributed to a climate of fear.
The Trump-Vance campaign has yet to comment on the criticism.
First Piper 