Donald Trump spent the week promoting unfounded rumors about Haitian migrants in Ohio eating pets, overshadowing speeches on the economy and border security failures blamed on Kamala Harris. Trump falsely claimed that migrants are eating pets, promised large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, and labeled migrants as “nests of bad people.” The city of Springfield notes that Haitian immigrants are there legally as part of a parole program to bring family members from Haiti to the United States. Trump’s attacks on Harris over immigration were met with condemnation from President Joe Biden during a Black Excellence brunch hosted at the White House.
The political flashpoint in Springfield led to the forced closure of city hall and evacuation of elementary schools due to bomb threats. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue urged national candidates, specifically Trump and his running mate JD Vance, to pay attention to the impact of their words. Pope Francis also criticized Trump over immigration policies and Harris for her support of abortion rights. Vance defended Trump’s comments on immigration, sparking conversation despite acknowledging the flimsiness of the rumors that ignited the story.
Trump’s focus on immigration was not the only controversial aspect of his week, as he spent time with far-right agitator Laura Loomer, who has spread conspiracy theories and racist comments about Harris. Several people close to Trump say Loomer has contributed to the unseemly conspiracy theories he has been promoting. Trump described Loomer as a “free spirit” and a supporter. Democratic National Committee director Alex Floyd highlighted Trump’s relationship with controversial allies, suggesting those surrounding him are unprofessional.
After a debate where Harris was declared the winner by 63% of viewers, Trump and Harris returned to the campaign trail. Trump’s West trip coincided with Harris campaigning in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state with a large number of electoral college votes. Both parties have already spent significant amounts on television ads in the state, with Harris focusing on Democratic strongholds while also trying to minimize Trump’s margins in red parts of the state. Harris emphasized the importance of earning every vote by spending time with the community where they live.
Overall, Trump’s focus on unfounded rumors about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio and his association with controversial allies like Laura Loomer overshadowed his attempts to attack Kamala Harris on immigration policies. Despite condemnation from President Biden, Springfield faced security threats due to the political tensions. Trump’s trip West coincided with Harris campaigning in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. The outcome of their campaigns will likely hinge on voter turnout and support in specific regions of the state.
