JD Vance Admits to Spreading False Rumors About Haitians in Ohio, Defends It as ‘Creating Stories’ for Media Attention

Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance openly admitted to fabricating false, racist rumors about Haitian immigrants in Ohio during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union. Vance, who has been facing mounting criticism, confessed that he “created stories” to grab the media’s attention and shift the conversation toward immigration issues.

During the interview with CNN host Dana Bash, Vance didn’t shy away from acknowledging that the disturbing rumors—centered on Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio—were, in fact, a story he made up. When Bash asked whether he had “created” the rumor, Vance replied, “Yes!” He then defended his actions by claiming the false rumors were based on concerns from “constituents” and said both he and Donald Trump had spoken about them to spotlight Springfield’s growing Haitian population.

Vance’s comment quickly drew condemnation, particularly from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Remarkable confession by JD Vance when he said he will ‘create stories’ (that is, lie) to redirect the media,” Buttigieg tweeted, pointing out that Vance was using these lies to distract from critical issues such as reproductive rights and economic inequality.

Remarkable confession by JD Vance this morning when he said he will “create stories” (that is, lie) to redirect the media.

All this to change the subject away from abortion rights, manufacturing jobs, taxation of the rich, and the other things clearly at stake in this election.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 15, 2024

The false rumors, which circulated widely on social media, have brought an unwanted spotlight to Springfield, a town with a significant Haitian population. Many of these immigrants, who legally reside in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to the violence in Haiti, have become the target of xenophobic conspiracy theories.

Vance added fuel to the fire when he referred to the Haitian community as “illegal,” despite the fact that most of them are here legally through TPS, a status that must be renewed every 18 months. The baseless accusations have not only heightened tensions but also led to bomb threats at local hospitals and government offices in Springfield.

When questioned about the threats, Vance deflected responsibility, saying it was “disgusting” for the media to suggest his remarks had anything to do with them. He doubled down by blaming the media for “amplifying the worst people in the world” by reporting on the situation.

Springfield officials have been quick to debunk the outlandish claims about Haitian immigrants, stating unequivocally that the rumors are false. Local businesses, particularly in produce packaging and automotive machining, have relied on Haitian workers since 2017, when around 15,000 immigrants began arriving in the area to fill labor shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, speaking on ABC’s This Week, confirmed that the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are here legally and play a crucial role in the local economy. “What the employers tell you is, you know, we don’t know what we would do without them,” DeWine said. “They are working. And they are working very hard. And they’re fitting in.”

Vance’s admission of “creating stories” to redirect media attention points to a broader GOP strategy leading into the 2024 election. Republicans, vulnerable on issues like reproductive rights, seem to be leaning into xenophobic narratives to rally their base. The false rumors in Springfield serve as an example of how misinformation can be weaponized to stir voter fears around immigration.

While town officials have dismissed the lies, far-right conspiracy theories continue to swirl online. The original rumor, which started as an unfounded Facebook post, has escalated into a major talking point among certain conservative circles. Despite the overwhelming evidence debunking these claims, Vance and other Republicans are using the issue to attack the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies.

Vance attempted to justify his actions, saying, “I’m not mad at Haitian migrants for wanting to have a better life. We’re angry at Kamala Harris for letting this happen,” referring to the vice president’s role in overseeing the administration’s immigration policy.

As the 2024 election looms, the Haitian community in Springfield finds itself at the center of a political firestorm. Despite the baseless attacks and dangerous conspiracy theories, local leaders are standing firm in support of the immigrants who have become an integral part of the community.

With Vance’s open admission of fabricating stories, many are left wondering how far political figures are willing to go to manipulate public opinion and exploit racial tensions. For now, the spotlight remains on Springfield, as the town pushes back against the harmful rhetoric while continuing to rely on the contributions of its immigrant population.