Donald Trump had planned to use this week to attack one of his Democratic rival Kamala Harris’ political weaknesses. Instead, he spent much of his time spreading false claims and defending his association with a far-right agitator, causing concern among his allies.
The former president’s focus shifted to a series of unfounded rumors circulating on social media, claiming that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets. These baseless claims gained widespread attention during Trump’s trip to Arizona and Nevada this week, overshadowing his efforts to address the economy and criticize Harris on border security. At a news conference in California, Trump reiterated his promise of “large deportations,” singling out Springfield, Ohio, as a focal point. He also spoke of Venezuelan gangs in Aurora, Colorado, and used dehumanizing language to describe undocumented immigrants, claiming that “nests of bad people” were being released into the U.S.
The city of Springfield, Ohio, with a population of 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants, including Haitians who are there legally through a parole program, became a political flashpoint as Republicans spread false narratives about the town. Trump’s comments escalated tensions in the town, leading to a bomb threat at the city hall and the evacuation of two elementary schools. Mayor Rob Rue of Springfield urged national candidates like Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, to recognize the harmful impact of their rhetoric, asking for “help, not hate.”
Trump, however, dismissed these concerns, focusing instead on border security as the “real threat.” Even Pope Francis weighed in on the issue, criticizing Trump’s stance on immigration while also taking a dig at Harris over her support for abortion rights. The Pope condemned the idea of sending migrants away and likened abortion to “an assassination.”
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, added fuel to the fire by amplifying the pet-eating rumors on social media. Although Vance acknowledged the possibility that the claims might be false, he insisted that the immigration issue in Springfield was a pressing matter, blaming Harris for what he described as a “slow-moving humanitarian crisis.”
Trump also stirred controversy by his association with Laura Loomer, a far-right agitator known for conspiracy theories and inflammatory comments. Loomer’s presence in Trump’s circle raised eyebrows, with some suggesting she contributed to the conspiracy theories Trump has promoted. Despite her contentious reputation, Trump defended Loomer, describing her as a “free spirit” and supporter with strong opinions.
In contrast, Kamala Harris, who faced the brunt of Trump’s immigration-focused attacks, was busy campaigning in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state with 19 electoral votes. While Harris has been targeted by Republicans for her role in managing border diplomacy, she remains focused on mobilizing Democratic voters. Polls following a debate earlier in the week showed Harris winning over Trump by a significant margin, and her campaign is working hard to maintain that momentum. Harris spent time in Trump-supporting counties like Cambria and Luzerne, aiming to reduce Trump’s margins and secure a strong Democratic turnout in key areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
With record-breaking amounts of money being spent on television ads in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2024 election, both Harris and Trump are making every effort to win over voters in the state. Harris emphasized her commitment to engaging with local communities, stating that her presence in Pennsylvania would be ongoing as the election approaches.
Trump’s focus on unfounded rumors about migrants in Ohio shifts attention away from his planned attacks on Kamala Harris, while Harris continues to build momentum in Pennsylvania