On Sept. 10, former President Donald Trump continued his pattern of baseless, mindless attacks during the presidential debate against Vice President Harris. This time, he targeted Springfield, Ohio – specifically the Haitian immigrant population living in the southwestern city.
Trump’s slander of Haitian immigrants in Springfield was false and rooted in bigotry, causing unnecessary harm to the city.
His claim that Haitian immigrants were eating the pets of other Springfield residents was swiftly debunked. Reuters, among other sources, fact-checked Trump, citing a Springfield police spokesperson that said, “In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."
Trump’s attack on the Haitian population in Springfield wasn’t just false, but was also clearly rooted in bigotry.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who was born in Springfield, Ohio, wrote a guest essay in The New York Times following Trump’s rhetorical attack.
“Springfield has a rich history of providing refuge for the oppressed and being a place of opportunity,” DeWine wrote.
He explained the economy in Springfield, Ohio, seriously declined in terms of manufacturing, rail commerce and good-paying jobs in the 1980s and 1990s. Now ;however, the city is having an economic resurgence – partly thanks to a large-scale migration of Haitian people over the past three years.
“They are there legally. They are there to work,” DeWine wrote.
Trump’s internal biases against Haitians and immigrants in general is clear considering DeWine’s notion that they are actually improving the city’s manufacturing sector and filling essential jobs.
The Haitian Bridge Alliance added that these attacks "not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also contribute to the dangerous stigmatization of immigrant communities, particularly Black immigrants from the Republic of Haiti."
The Haitian community is suffering at the hands of Trump’s powerful words in terms of anti-immigrant and stereotypical sentiments. Springfield as a whole is also in danger.
CBS reported that there were dozens of hoax bomb threats in Springfield schools, city officials were threatened and a Haitian restaurant owner was receiving phone calls asking racist questions regarding his menu. Elementary schools, colleges and medical facilities have had to evacuate, close temporarily or increase their security presences, according to ABC.
In the 2020 presidential election, Trump beat President Biden by more than 14,956 votes in Clark County – home of Springfield. It would be shocking if this trend continues through the 2024 presidential election as the city and neighboring cities of Clark County have seen first-hand how dangerous Trump’s rhetoric is.
Trump’s attacks on the Haitian community of Springfield are completely unjust. This can’t be watered down to a trending sound on TikTok – it must be looked at for what it is: untrue, bigoted and dangerous.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
