White House condemns false pet-eating stories endangering migrants' lives: Video
The White House has strongly denounced baseless claims propagated by former President Donald Trump about Haitian migrants allegedly eating pets in Ohio.
Such stories have been described as "filth" and criticised for sowing division and disrespecting law enforcement.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a press briefing stated that these false narratives are not only harmful but also put the lives of affected communities in danger, the AFP reports.
"What is happening here is an attempt to tear apart communities and spread dangerous misinformation. This is an insult to all Americans and undermines our shared values," she said.
She further emphasised that such conspiracy theories contribute to fear among Haitian and Haitian-American communities, diverting focus from genuine efforts to unite and support all citizens. "Our country deserves better leadership that does not fall for fake internet conspiracy theories," Jean-Pierre added.
On Monday, September 9, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, alleged that residents of Springfield, Ohio, are experiencing “pets being abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country.” Trump persisted with these claims, stating, “They’re eating the dogs, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there… it’s a shame.”
