Despite reality, Trump seemingly insists he was ‘right’ about Haitians eating household pets

At a campaign rally in Ohio this week, President Donald Trump returned to a claim about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, insisting he had been vindicated by events. MS NOW's Steve Benen reports that Trump said about 35,000 Haitians had been "dropped" into the city, that the arrangement went badly, and that his removal of them has left Springfield free of problems. Trump also pointed back to his September 2024 debate remarks, saying he had been right about what the immigrants were doing.

At that debate, Trump told a national audience that Haitians in Springfield were eating dogs, cats and residents' pets. The claim was false. Benen notes it brought bomb threats, building closures, canceled events, death threats and fear among residents, and that officials in Trump's own party urged him to stop. According to MS NOW, the 35,000 figure is also wrong, and no resettlement program placed anyone in the community.

The rally comes as the administration has ended temporary protected status for Haitians, exposing many who work and pay taxes legally to deportation. With three weeks until the midterms, Benen questions whether this message helps Republicans, given voters' focus on the economy and living costs.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →