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Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of Ohio, rejected Donald Trump and JD Vance’s claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, saying he trusts local officials who have asserted there is simply no evidence of it.
While speaking with CBS News on Wednesday evening, DeWine was asked whether or not the conspiracy theory, amplified by the former president during the presidential debate, was true.
“The internet can be quite crazy sometimes,” DeWine said, refering to how the baseless rumors initially began online.
“The mayor of Springfield says ‘No there’s no truth in that.’ They have no evidence of that at all so I think we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city,” he added.
Claims that the city’s large community of Haitian immigrants were abducting and then “eating cats and “eating dogs” have recently been used by far-right members of the Republican Party to push anti-immigration policies and rhetoric.
But on Tuesday evening, the former president brought those accusations into the national — and international — spotlight by boldly repeating them.
Both the mayor of Springfield and the city commissioner have said there are no credible claims or evidence that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, assertions DeWine said people should trust.
Springfield, the 12th-largest city in Ohio, has seen a massive increase in Haitian immigrants, welcomed into the United States under protected status, over the last few years.
While many have positively contributed to the city’s workforce, the community has also had to address the inherent challenges that come with adding 15,000 to 20,000 new residents, like managing health care, education, and more.
DeWine said the state has already allocated resources to Springfield to help pay for more childhood vaccinations, primary health care, and training for drivers — but insisted the federal government should contribute as well.
“I think the federal government has to start looking at places like this and treat it like you would a natural disaster,” DeWine said on Wednesday.
The governor said residents of Springfield are concerned about the challenges he named but they recognize that Haitian immigrants are “working very hard” to try and provide for their families.
DeWine did not directly comment on Trump’s decision to promote rumors on the national stage.
The Independent has reached out to DeWine’s office for further comment.
