Donald Trump spent the week making false claims about migrants in Ohio eating pets and defending his embrace of a far-right agitator. This overshadowed his attempts to attack his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, for border security failures during his speeches in Arizona and Nevada. Trump’s repeated statements about large deportations from Springfield, Ohio, where Haitian immigrants live under a parole program, caused controversy and fear among the residents.
Republicans view immigration and border security as a key political issue to target Harris, whom they have labeled as President Biden’s “border czar.” However, during a debate, Trump’s attacks on Harris took an outrageous turn when he falsely claimed that migrants were eating pets in Springfield. These remarks received sharp condemnation from Biden, who called it wrong and inappropriate. The city hall in Springfield was forced to close due to a bomb threat, prompting the mayor to urge national candidates to pay attention to their words.
Even Pope Francis criticized Trump for his stance on immigration and also criticized Harris for her support of abortion rights. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, defended Trump’s comments on immigration, sparking conversations despite acknowledging the rumors’ flimsiness. Laura Loomer, a far-right agitator who has spread conspiracy theories and racist comments about Harris, has been seen spending time with Trump, raising eyebrows and creating concerns among supporters.
While Trump and Harris were on the campaign trail late in the week, a CNN poll showed that 63% of viewers believed Harris won the Tuesday night debate over Trump’s 37%. Trump’s trip to the West coincided with Harris campaigning in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground with 19 electoral college votes. Both parties have spent a significant amount on television ads in the state, with Harris focusing on Democratic strongholds and aiming to minimize Trump’s margins in red parts of Pennsylvania.
Trump’s associations with controversial allies, such as Loomer, have raised concerns about his campaign’s direction and the impact on his image. Despite facing criticism and pushback, Trump continues to defend his actions, dismissing concerns about inflammatory remarks and false claims. The upcoming election will be crucial for both Trump and Harris, as they navigate through a fiercely competitive political landscape and attempt to secure support from key demographics in swing states like Pennsylvania.
