Trump's False Claims Fuel Haitian Fears in Ohio

During a recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump repeated a false and racist claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were kidnapping and eating pets, a statement that has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials and community leaders. The Springfield city manager and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine both refuted Trump's claims, stressing that there have been no reports of such incidents. In the wake of Trump's comments, members of the Haitian community expressed fear for their safety, with some families opting to keep their children home from school due to increased anxiety and hostility. Community leaders reported receiving threatening calls and noted a rise in bullying and intimidation against Haitian residents. Experts highlight that Trump's rhetoric feeds into a long history of discrimination against Black immigrants in the U.S., raising concerns about potential violence and mental health impacts for the community. City officials confirmed that while there are no credible reports of animal harm, the climate of fear has significantly affected the local Haitian population.