"This is textbook racism" - Internet reacts to Trump accusing Haitian immigrants of eating pets despite Springfield Mayor refuting claims

Republican candidate Donald Trump accused Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, of eating pets. During Tuesday's, September 10, 2024, national presidential debate with Kamala Harris aired on ABC News, the former president claimed:

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what's happening in our country."

For the uninitiated, last week, rumors claiming alleged Haitian immigrants from an Ohio community were abducting and eating pets and local wildlife began circulating online. Despite having no evidence to support, several Republican politicians, including Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, all perpetuated the rumors.

As news of Donald's comments spread, Internet users were quick to react. One wrote that the incident exemplified textbook racism, expressing shock at people voting for him.

A comment reacting to the news (Image via X/ @PopCrave)

Many expressed disbelief at the Republican candidate's comment, and continued, stating that he was racist. Here are some comments seen on X (formerly known as Twitter):

"to all my US moots im so sorry this is your reality cause wtf," one netizen commented.

"Kamala’s facial expressions are killing me because same girl. He can’t be serious???" another netizen expressed.

"Ahhhh this is the stench of racism," another wrote.

Others joked that the remarks sound like they came from an SNL skit. One even commented on Kamala Harris's bewildered expressions.

"this is something i would have expected out from SNL skit, not an actual presidential debate," a user remarked.

"He's insane," commented another.

"I’m actually Kamala in this clip. I was getting secondhand embarrassment from his lies. It’s so embarrassing that he’s just word-vomiting about nothing," another X user wrote.

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AI generated images of Trump protecting peoples pets began circulating on social media in response to the rumors

While the exact origin of the baseless rumor remains unconfirmed, according to the Springfield News-Sun, it may come from a Facebook group. In the post, a person claims someone from their community lost their cat, which was later found hanging from a branch near his immigrant neighbor's house. Per a report by WSYX, the post also featured a photograph showing a black man carrying a goose by its feet.

The claims soon went viral and began circulating across various social media sites. On Monday, Trump's running mate, JD Vance, took to his X to allege his office received "inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants." He, however, added that the rumors could be false.

AI-generated images, including one showing Donald Trump protecting cats and ducks, and being hailed as the savior of the town, began circulating on social media. Another shows Trump holding a cat in each arm, running through a crowd of black people with the caption reading, "The kittens of Springfield have only one hope."

Texas senator Ted Cruz shared a picture of two cats hugging one another with the caption, "Please vote for Trump, so Haitian immigrants don't eat us."

However, on Monday, Springfield officials refuted the claims. Just hours before the debate, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue held a press conference to refute claims that immigrants were eating people's pets.

"We wish to clarify that we have not been able to verify any credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," revealed the mayor.

Additionally, Springfield police on Monday, told Springfield News-Sun that they received no reports of any stolen pets. In an interview with AP News, Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, explained that they frequently receive "barbaric, inhuman narratives and treatment when it comes to immigration." He added that some people will believe such rumors no matter how "ludicrous and stupid."

Trump has not publicly reacted to the backlash.