At Debate, Trump Spreads False Claims About Pet-Eating and Infanticide, Reports Reuters

By Alexandra Ulmer

In a recent debate, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made several controversial claims while facing off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to multiple corrections from the moderators.

One of the most alarming assertions Trump made was regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which has gained significant traction online. He suggested that these immigrants were stealing pets from local residents. "They’re eating the dogs! The people that came in. They’re eating the cats! They’re eating, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump claimed. In response, Harris laughed and shook her head, while the moderator pointed out that there were no credible reports to support Trump’s statement. Trump insisted he had seen interviews on TV regarding missing pets.

The Biden administration condemned Trump’s remarks as misinformation, which they argued was intended to sow division among Americans and was fueled by racism.

Trump also reinforced a false narrative that millions of migrants were entering the United States from foreign jails and mental health facilities, alleging they were taking over communities violently. However, there have been no reported incidents of such violent takeovers.

While some of Harris’ assertions were countered by Trump, a fact-check indicated that her statements did not contain significant inaccuracies. For example, Harris referenced Trump’s prediction of a "bloodbath" if he were not re-elected, pointing to a speech he made earlier this year. The Trump campaign later clarified that the remark was about the auto industry’s prospects under the Biden administration.

Trump further claimed that Democrats were so radical on abortion issues that they supported infanticide. "Her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth," Trump stated, referencing Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In reality, Harris advocates for reinstating the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which affirms a woman’s right to an abortion up to around 24 to 28 weeks, and neither she nor Walz support infanticide.

In discussing Middle East politics, Trump stated that Harris "hates" Israel and suggested that if she were president, the nation might not survive for long. He made this comment without providing any evidence. Harris firmly denied the claim, asserting that she has consistently supported Israel.

Finally, Trump remarked that crime rates were declining globally, except in the United States, where he claimed they were "through the roof." However, a recent FBI report indicated that homicides in the U.S. fell by over 13% in 2023, marking a drop for the second consecutive year after a surge during the pandemic. This finding contrasts with prevailing public sentiment that crime is on the rise.