Biden Condemns Trump's False Claims About Haitian Migrants as Dangerous and Divisive

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President Joe Biden strongly criticized former President Donald Trump over his recent remarks targeting Haitian migrants. Speaking at an event at the White House, Biden condemned Trump’s claims and stressed that such rhetoric has no place in America. “This has to stop,” Biden said, referring to Trump’s comments about Haitian immigrants, which he labeled as harmful and false.

Trump recently alleged, without evidence, that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating pets. His comments were based on rumors initially spread by his running mate, J.D. Vance. Vance later admitted that the rumors might be false, but both he and Trump have continued to push the narrative. Local authorities in Springfield have stated there is no evidence to support these claims.

Tensions in Springfield have escalated since Trump’s remarks, with bomb threats reported in the city’s public buildings. While it remains unclear if these incidents are directly linked to the inflammatory rhetoric, the timing has raised concerns. Springfield, a city with about 60,000 residents in the Midwest, has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration.

The White House responded forcefully to Trump’s statements, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling them “dangerous.” She emphasized the risks of spreading baseless conspiracy theories and pointed out that many Haitian migrants now fear for their safety due to the growing hostility. Jean-Pierre warned that when leaders spread hateful rhetoric, it can incite violence and deepen divisions in the country.

In another development, Pope Francis weighed in on the U.S. presidential race, offering a rare but pointed commentary on the candidates. Without directly naming Vice President Kamala Harris or Trump, the Pope referred to them by their policies, labeling the choice as between “two evils.” Francis encouraged American Catholics to vote but urged them to pick the “lesser of two evils,” reflecting his concerns over both candidates’ stances on key issues.

The Pope’s comments followed Trump’s controversial remarks on immigration and Harris’ commitment to restoring abortion rights, which the Supreme Court overturned in 2022. Francis had previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies during the 2016 election, stating that such views were inconsistent with Christian teachings. He has also been vocal against Harris for her pro-choice stance, further complicating the moral and ethical considerations for voters.

Trump, meanwhile, has declined to participate in a second televised debate with Harris. After their initial debate, Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that there would be no rematch, citing Harris’s reluctance to accept prior debate invitations. The first debate had seen Harris gaining the upper hand, with a CNN poll showing 63% of viewers believing she won compared to 37% for Trump.

As the race heats up, Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and other issues continues to stir controversy. His claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets has drawn widespread condemnation, with even members of his own party distancing themselves from the remarks. Biden and his administration continue to call for unity, but the political climate remains charged as the nation heads toward the November election.