He was the Republican mayor of Ohio the target of baseless claims about Haitian immigrants from former President Donald Trump and his running mate eats residents’ pets said Tuesday that the Republican presidential candidate’s visit would strain the city’s resources.
“It would be an extreme strain on our resources. So, if they decide not to make that trip, that would be fine with me,” Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said during a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday.
This was reported by NBC News On Sunday, a source familiar with the former president’s plans said Trump planned to visit the city “soon,” after bolstering the baseless claim during the presidential debates. is spreading in right-wing circles on the internet for weeks, Haitian immigrants have been “eating dogs and cats” of local residents.
Springfield officials said the allegations were unfounded, and city police released a statement saying they were. “No reliable report” Harming pets by Haitian immigrants.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, also criticized the allegations “garbage” and the city visited Springfield on Tuesday in response dozens of bomb threats are considered fraud caused the temporary closure and evacuation of schools and city buildings.
DeWine said the presidential candidate’s campaign trip has been “generally very, very welcome,” but acknowledged that it will present challenges.
“I have to state the reality though that resources are really, really stretched here,” DeWine said.
DeWine said he hasn’t spoken to Trump or Vance and hasn’t heard about any candidates who might visit Springfield.
In response to a request for comment, Trump campaign spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said in a statement, “There are very real issues that concern the residents of Springfield, OH: skyrocketing rents, poor public health and education services, increased car accidents and public safety concerns. Ohio’s population of 60,000 was overwhelmed by the sudden influx of migrants.
There is also Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee They spread false claims about pets in Springfieldtold reporters on Tuesday that he had no plans to visit the city.
Asked Tuesday if he would join the former president on the trip or have any travel plans of his own, Vance said the trip had not been formalized but that security would be a top concern.
“I didn’t plan on going for the last few days,” Vance said. “I know the president wants to go, but he hasn’t made any clear plans.”