Overview

• Donald Trump and JD Vance promoted the false claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets, despite it being debunked by local authorities.
• PolitiFact selected the claim as its 2024 Lie of the Year due to its widespread impact, including bomb threats and harassment in Springfield following the debate.
• The claim originated as an unverified internet rumor and was amplified by prominent figures, including Trump, during his campaign for stricter immigration policies.
• Polls taken after the debate showed significant portions of Republican voters believed the claim, highlighting the power of misinformation in shaping public opinion.
• Local Haitian residents reported facing harassment and stigma, with some families relocating within the U.S. to escape the fallout of the false narrative.