AI-generated images of Donald Trump cuddling cats and ducks have flooded social media following unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants killing and eating pets and park animals in Springfield, Ohio.
MAGA supporters, including Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, have posted about these rumors, which seemingly started with a post in the private Facebook group Springfield Ohio Crime and Information.
Someone claimed to know someone who saw their daughter’s friend’s cat “hanging from a branch, like you’d do a deer for butchering,” in a house where Haitians live, and they were “carving [it] up to eat.”
On Monday, Springfield police told local newspaper the Springfield News-Sun that they have received no official reports of such activity. “It is not something that’s on our radar right now,” the police said.
A spokesperson for the city of Springfield previously told Newsweek there had been “no credible reports” of pets or other animals being harmed or abused by members of the growing immigrant community there.
Meanwhile, multiple people shared images and videos of Trump caring for cats and ducks, with others posting with the hashtag “PetsForTrump.”
An AI-generated image shows Donald Trump holding a kitten and a duck. Social media has been flooded with images, GIFs and videos of Trump with animals following unsubstantiated rumors about migrants killing and eating pets…
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House of Judiciary GOP/X
Among the posts was one from the “official Twitter for the House Committee on the Judiciary, Republicans,” which shared an AI-generated image of Trump standing in water and hugging a duck and a kitten. The caption reads: “Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio!”
Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), shared this post along with a smiling emoji.
Another GIF shows Trump in a military uniform and holding a rifle with a cat on his shoulder and a duck next to him as he sinks down into the water.
Other images depict animals holding up signs that read “Pets for Trump,” “Don’t let them eat us, vote for Trump,” “Kamala hates me” and “Cat lives matter.”
Vance, who has previously spoken out against Haitian immigrants in Springfield, also posted about the claims on Monday.
He said: “Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country. Where is our border czar?” the Ohio senator asked.
Newsweek has contacted Trump’s and Kamala Harris’ representatives via email for comment.
There is no evidence of Haitian immigrants being in Springfield illegally. The city of Springfield explicitly says on its immigration FAQs page: “YES, Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program.”
Vance has said he maintains they are illegal because their legality has been achieved only “through the abuse of asylum laws.”
Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio.
Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024
Springfield, which had a population of just under 60,000, has recently been at the center of the immigration debate, with its Haitian community growing to between 15,000 and 20,000 over the past four years, according to city officials.
Although the newcomers have contributed to driving the city’s economic boom, the sudden uptick in population has put pressure on Springfield’s education, health care and housing.
On July 8, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck wrote a letter to Ohio senators about its “housing crisis.”
“Springfield has seen a surge in population through immigration that has significantly impacted our ability as a community to produce enough housing opportunities for all,” Heck said.
