Washington Post: “The allegation, based on scattered social media posts drawing on photos and stories far from Springfield, unspooled over several days into a twisted and demagogued message that Trump amplified on the debate stage for tens of millions of viewers. The moment highlighted how the real issues facing American towns can turn almost instantly into politically fruitful — and potentially dangerous — campaign fodder, particularly when they involve race or migrants.”
“Three days after the rumor became national news, no credible accounts of pets being abducted or eaten in Springfield have been documented.”
“The Haitian rumor is only the latest example of the Trump campaign stoking racial divides. During the debate, Trump repeated his questions about Harris’s racial identity, claiming nonsensically that she only recently decided to be Black.”
New York Times: Trump’s false tale of immigrants eat pets draws pushback and derision.
