OPINION: The Situation In Springfield: “It was their words that did it.”

Photo via: Cindy Funk, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism and Political Science, argues that the comments made by former President Donald Trump at the most recent Presidential Debate has made life horrible for residents of Springfield, Ohio.

Over the last week, almost every news channel has mentioned Springfield, Ohio. The city's sudden popularity is due to former President Trump’s words from the presidential debate on Sept. 10, where he pushed the baseless claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are “eating the dogs” and “eating the cats.”

After Trump pushed these claims, journalist David Muir, who was moderating the debate, quickly fact-checked Trump by adding that ABC had already reached out to the city manager of Springfield, who stated there had been no credible reports of any pets being harmed and that these claims had already been debunked.

The internet was quick to post videos showing upset pets reacting to the debate on apps such as TikTok, and these ridiculous claims quickly became memes. Although these videos are funny, and the whole situation seems like something that could just be blown off due to its absurdity, Trump's words have created a living nightmare for the residents of Springfield. 

Since the debate, there have been over 33 bomb threats targeted toward Springfield government buildings, homes of elected officials, healthcare facilities, and schools. Most of the bomb threats linked to the false claims about Haitian immigrants are apparently hoaxes from overseas; however, government officials are taking necessary precautions in order to ensure the safety of the residents of Springfield. 

Due to the ongoing bomb threats, schools have had a series of closures, lockdowns, and evacuations. Many parents fear for the safety of their children. 

“Our children deserve to be in school. Parents deserve to feel that their children are being educated and that their children are safe,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, who held a press conference in Springfield on Monday.

You would think that with the disruption and pure chaos Springfield has had to endure this past week, Trump would try to relieve the situation that he caused to spiral, but no. is running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, has himself amplified the situation by spreading the same debunked claims despite seemingly admitting he knows they are false. 

“If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m gonna do,” he said in an interview with CNN. 

Despite Vance claiming to care about the “suffering of the American people,” he and Trump have done nothing to help diffuse the cries of the people in Springfield. Jim Denis, a Haitian American who has lived in the city for five years, spoke out about his experience over the last week, expressing that his family no longer feels safe in the city, even when simply taking his kids to the park. 

“You can see it’s pure hatred. They hate us,” Denis said. This feeling of fear and uneasiness has affected a large amount of Haitian Americans, both from Springfield and not. 

At Central Christian Church, Rev. Carl Ruby preached that “Jesus is with us in truth, and the truth is that Haitians are not eating pets and geese in Springfield.” Many residents of Springfield have been going to church to escape the terror going on throughout their community. 

Ruby said, “Pray and think what it is to be a Haitian parent sending their child this week to school.” 

According to Mia Perez, the daughter of Haitian Americans, kids have been asking others in school, “How does the dog taste?” and “How does the cat taste?” No child should ever have to experience this.

It’s clear that Springfield residents need compassion and understanding right now. They shouldn't let federal politicians tear them apart. Instead, this situation should encourage the community to come together to stand up against the false claims that have hurt their community. These politicians should take accountability for what is happening in Springfield, and as Mayor Rob Rue said, “it was their words that did it." 

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.