Former President Donald Trump continues to stand by his controversial claims regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, asserting that they are consuming family pets. During a town hall event with Univision in Miami, he reiterated these assertions despite previous fact-checking that refuted them.
Trump first made these claims during an ABC News presidential debate last month. He was challenged by co-moderator David Muir, who cited Springfield’s city manager stating there was no evidence to support Trump’s allegations. Republican J.D. Vance also echoed the false narrative, labeling it a “rumor” while urging his followers to spread it further.
At the Univision event, a Latino Republican voter from Arizona questioned Trump in Spanish about the validity of his claims. The voter pointed out that local authorities had clarified multiple times that Haitian immigrants were not harming pets. Trump responded by saying, “This was just reported,” and claimed he was merely relaying what had been covered in the media. He did not specify which reports he was referencing.
Trump further elaborated on the situation in Springfield, noting that the city has seen an influx of nearly 30,000 migrants amid its population of 52,000. He expressed concern for local residents who might struggle with access to hospitals, schools, and groceries due to this demographic shift.
During the town hall, Trump faced questions on various topics including inflation and immigration policy. A farmer raised concerns about the potential impact of deporting undocumented workers on food prices. Trump acknowledged the need for immigrant labor but insisted they must enter the country legally.
On the January 6 Capitol attack, Trump claimed that “hundreds of thousands” attended not because of him but due to their belief that the election was rigged. He referred to that day as a “day of love,” distancing himself from any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, Trump labeled Haitian migrants in Springfield as “illegal immigrants” despite their legal status under temporary protected status. He claimed their presence was detrimental to the town and warned against allowing such situations to continue.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized Trump’s statements about Haitian immigrants as “garbage,” emphasizing that there is no evidence supporting these claims.
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