Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy during the first debate with Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidency by asserting that immigrants are consuming the pets of residents in border cities. "Millions of people are coming to our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and asylums... They are taking over the cities. They are taking buildings. They are entering violently," he stated.
"Many cities don't want to talk about it because they are embarrassed. In Springfield, people who came are eating the dogs, they are eating the cats, they are eating the pets of the people who live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a disgrace," pointed out the Republican candidate for the upcoming November elections.
His opponent, Kamala Harris, initially appeared shocked before bursting into laughter.
Debate Controversy and Media Response
Given the seriousness of the accusations, ABC News host David Muir swiftly intervened to correct the former president: "I just want to clarify this. You mentioned Springfield, Ohio, and ABC News contacted the city manager there. He told us that there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or mistreated by individuals within the immigrant community," he emphasized.
Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have claimed that Haitian immigrants have been "causing chaos" in an Ohio city and kidnapping pets to eat, accusations that have spread across social media. Local authorities have already come forward to debunk these falsehoods.
Questions and Answers About Trump's Claims
In light of the controversial statements made by Donald Trump, there are several important questions that need to be addressed to better understand the situation.
What specific claims did Donald Trump make about immigrants in Springfield?
Trump claimed that immigrants in Springfield are eating the pets of local residents, including dogs and cats.
How did Kamala Harris respond to Trump's accusations?
Kamala Harris initially appeared shocked and then laughed at Trump's statements during the debate.
What did ABC News find out about the claims in Springfield?
ABC News contacted the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, who confirmed that there have been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured, or mistreated by immigrants.
Have local authorities responded to these accusations?
Yes, local authorities have come forward to debunk the false claims made by Trump and his running mate, JD Vance.