Trump and Vance Spread False Pet-Eating Rumor Targeting Haitian Immigrants

Baseless claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, have led to bomb threats and heightened racial tensions.

Vice presidential candidate JD Vance and running mate Donald Trump have amplified a debunked conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants eating pets.
Local officials, including Springfield's City Manager and Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine, have denounced the claims as false.
The false rumor has incited far-right protests and led to 33 bomb threats against local schools, disrupting the community and prompting FBI investigations.
The conspiracy theory is part of a broader strategy of racial and religious racism aimed at disenfranchising Black and immigrant communities.
Despite evidence to the contrary, Vance has defended his actions, suggesting fabrications are necessary to highlight American suffering.