In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, JD Vance found himself at the center of a political firestorm after admitting to “create stories” when it suits him, in this case about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.
JD Vance said Sunday that he stood by the debunked claims he and Donald Trump have spread suggesting Haitian migrants were eating pets, saying that he was willing "to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention." https://t.co/CB7cAljIeL
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 16, 2024
These “created stories” were then taken up by Donald Trump, who broadcast them to over 67 million people during the ABC presidential debate.
The city of Springfield, already struggling to provide adequate resources for its residents and the many immigrants who have taken refuge there, has descended into chaos due to the propagation by some Republicans, including Vance and Trump, of unfounded and racist stories about Haitian migrants.
Vance also persists in claiming that accusations that Haitian immigrants steal and eat pets (and geese in city parks) come from “first-hand reports” from his constituents, despite the absence of any corroborating evidence.
This rumor actually began with a Facebook post, leading to a wave of unfounded accusations of pet theft.
These allegations, amplified and repeated by Vance, were denied by local Springfield leaders as well as Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, who called the claims “hurtful”.
The governor also clarified that Haitian immigrants are not illegal immigrants, but legally reside in Springfield.
He acknowledged that, while the recent influx of around 15,000 newcomers to a city of 58,000 presents challenges, he also highlighted their positive contribution to the local economy.
Since Trump repeated his remarks at the debate, the small town of Springfield has plunged into chaos, with several days of bomb threats, rising tensions and other troubling effects, such as the Proud Boys arriving in the community in an attempt to intimidate immigrants, who claim to be living in anger, confusion and fear.
Events have also had to be cancelled.
