Senator Marco Rubio of the GOP has issued a warning to voters regarding the spread of election disinformation by foreign actors, specifically mentioning Russia, Iran, and China in the lead-up to the November election. Rubio emphasized the importance of verifying information before believing and spreading it.
During an appearance on CBS's 'Face the Nation,' Rubio advised the public to exercise caution when encountering potentially scandalous videos or claims. He highlighted the need for verification to combat the dissemination of false information.
Rubio also addressed the false claims made against Haitian migrants, which were amplified by former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance. These claims, which included debunked conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, consuming pet cats and dogs, led to a series of bomb threats and disruptions in the community.
The spread of misinformation resulted in the closure of schools, government offices, and grocery stores in Springfield. The city faced budget shortfalls as a consequence of the increased law enforcement presence required to address the chaos caused by the false claims.
Rubio underscored the need to focus on the truth amidst the misinformation, emphasizing the real impacts of policies that affect communities. He cautioned against being swayed by unfounded allegations and urged the public to remain vigilant in the face of election-related disinformation.