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Donald Trump had planned to spend this week targeting one of his Democratic rival Kamala Harris’ biggest political weaknesses. However, he instead spent much of the week promoting a baseless rumor that migrants are eating pets in a small Ohio town and defending his ties to a far-right provocateur, raising concerns among his allies.
During a trip to the West, including stops in Arizona and Nevada, Trump repeatedly echoed false social media claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio eating pets. This grabbed headlines and overshadowed his speeches, which were intended to focus on the economy and criticize Harris for border security issues.
At a news conference in California on Friday, Trump vowed “mass deportations” from Springfield, Ohio—the town at the center of the controversy as Republicans, including Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, continue to spread these false allegations about Haitian immigrants.
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The city of Springfield’s website notes that there are around 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living in Clark County, including Haitian immigrants who are legally present under a parole program. This program allows U.S. citizens and lawful residents to apply for their family members from Haiti to join them in the United States.
During his remarks, Trump also referenced a Venezuelan gang in Aurora, Colorado, using dehumanizing language to describe undocumented immigrants. He claimed that "nests of bad people" were being released into the U.S.
“It’s like an invasion from within, and we’re going to initiate the largest deportation in our country’s history. We’ll start with Springfield and Aurora,” Trump said.
The people of Ohio are scared,” he added. “It’s going to get worse. What we’re seeing now is just the beginning—they’re just getting settled.”
Why Trump is Targeting Harris on Immigration
Republicans consider immigration and border security critical political issues and see them as opportunities to target Kamala Harris, whom they label as President Joe Biden’s “border czar.” This stems from Biden’s 2021 request for Harris to lead diplomatic efforts with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to address the root causes of migration.
However, during Tuesday’s debate, Trump’s attacks on Harris regarding immigration took a bizarre turn when he falsely claimed that migrants in Springfield were eating dogs and cats.
In response, Biden condemned Trump’s remarks.
“It’s simply wrong. There’s no place for this in America. What he’s doing has to stop,” Biden said at a White House event on Friday.
On Thursday, Springfield’s city hall was closed due to a bomb threat, and on Friday, two elementary schools were evacuated based on information received by the Springfield Police Division, the school district announced.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue urged national politicians—clearly referring to Trump and Vance—to be mindful of the impact their words are having on communities like Springfield.
“We need help, not hate,” Rue said.
Trump dismissed these concerns on Friday.
No, no. The real threat is what’s happening at our border,” he responded.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis on Friday also sharply criticized Trump’s stance on immigration, while simultaneously condemning Harris for her pro-choice position on abortion.
“Sending migrants away or leaving them wherever you want is terrible. There is evil in that. And to abort a child is an assassination, because that’s a life. We must speak clearly about these issues,” the pope said.
Vance, Trump’s running mate, admitted on social media that the rumors about immigrants eating pets were unverified but defended Trump’s rhetoric as raising important conversations about immigration.
“It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false,” Vance posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But don’t let the biased media shame you into ignoring this slow-moving humanitarian crisis in a small Ohio town. We should talk about this every day. Kamala Harris caused this, and she’ll keep doing it unless we stop her.”
Trump’s Relationship with Laura Loomer
The allegations about pets in Ohio weren’t the only controversy involving Trump this week. His association with far-right agitator Laura Loomer, known for spreading conspiracy theories about 9/11 and making racist comments about Harris, has raised eyebrows.
People close to Trump say Loomer has contributed to some of the conspiracy theories Trump has embraced since Harris replaced Biden on the ticket, unsettling Trump and the GOP as they navigate the evolving political landscape.
Trump described Loomer as a “free spirit” and “supporter.”
“She’s a strong person with strong opinions, but that’s not for me to judge. She’s a supporter,” Trump said.
Democratic National Committee rapid response director Alex Floyd highlighted Trump’s controversial relationships, noting that Trump’s circle of advisors “is as professional as you’d expect for someone with a history of fraud.”
Harris Campaigns in Pennsylvania
As Trump traveled West this week, Harris continued her campaign in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground in the 2024 election, which holds 19 electoral college votes.
Over $175 million has already been spent on TV ads in Pennsylvania, with Democrats spending more than $93 million and Republicans over $81 million. Another $136 million is booked between now and Election Day, more than any other state.
Harris’ strategy focuses on strong turnout in Democratic strongholds like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh while minimizing Trump’s margins in red-leaning areas. On Friday, she visited two counties that Trump won in both of his presidential runs—Cambria and Luzerne.
“We have to earn every vote, and that means spending time in communities where people live. That’s why I’m here, and why we’ll be spending a lot more time in Pennsylvania,” Harris told reporters at a bookstore in Johnstown on Friday.
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