What Trump’s ‘eating the pets’ lie did to Springfield

Since Donald Trump falsely accused migrants in Springfield, Ohio of eating pet dogs and cats, the US city has made headlines around the world and has been thrown into chaos.

Bomb threats have shut down schools and Haitian migrants feel intimidated in their adopted home. 

So, what’s life really like there for long term residents and the thousands of migrants who breathed new life into Springfield, while also straining services including health and education?

Today, Associated Press reporter Julie Carr Smyth takes us to Springfield, a city that’s been rocked by a lie. 

She explains that the bomb threats seem to have come from overseas, possibly involving forces that want to foment discord in the community.

Julie Carr Smyth says the local police are stretched to their limits, requiring additional state troopers to maintain order. 

She speaks about the challenges facing the city, with up to 20,000 Haitian migrants settling there in recent years, now making up about a quarter of the population. 

Featured: 

Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press reporter based in Columbus, Ohio

Key Topics:

• Donald Trump false claims
• Springfield bomb threats
• Haitian migrants in Ohio
• Community impact of misinformation
• Police response
• Social services strain
• Public safety 
• Political rhetoric