In a recent interview on ABC's "This Week," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine criticized former President Donald Trump's baseless claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, stating that there is no evidence to support these allegations. While DeWine stopped short of directly condemning Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, for spreading the false claims, he emphasized the importance of combating hate groups and praised the contributions of Haitians to the community.

During the interview, DeWine labeled the rumors as "garbage" and highlighted that there is no truth to the claims of Haitian immigrants consuming dogs and other pets. He firmly stated, "There's a lot of garbage on the internet. You know, this is a piece of garbage that was simply not true. There's no evidence of this at all." DeWine's response came in the wake of bomb threats that prompted closures of schools and municipal buildings in Springfield, further intensifying scrutiny as false rumors continue to circulate about Haitian migrants in the community.

Although DeWine did not directly criticize Trump and Vance for amplifying the right-wing conspiracies, he firmly condemned hate groups that have targeted Haitian immigrants. He expressed his support for the city of Springfield, emphasizing its welcoming nature and the positive influences that Haitians have brought to the community. DeWine highlighted their strong work ethic, valuing of education, and legal contribution to the local economy.

The discussion around the baseless claims made by Trump and Vance alarmed DeWine, who called for an end to the spread of misinformation. He urged the focus to shift toward important issues such as providing primary healthcare to all residents, addressing housing challenges, and meeting the needs of the growing city. DeWine reinforced that the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are hardworking individuals who are legally contributing to the community and should not be subjected to harmful and false narratives.

Despite his endorsement of Trump as the Republican nominee, DeWine's support does not waiver in light of the former president's false claims. He justified his endorsement by citing Trump's impact on the economy and his alignment with the concerns of the American people.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has also spoken out against the false claims, urging the public, especially influential figures, to refrain from spreading them. Rue emphasized the safety of pets in Springfield and appealed for assistance rather than misinformation.

In response to Vance's assertion that he heard concerns from constituents regarding Haitian immigrants eating pets, DeWine's office did not directly respond. However, Vance's remarks drew criticism as he suggested he was creating stories to garner media attention and focus on the suffering of the American people.

As tensions rise in Springfield, media attention and public awareness play a crucial role in dispelling false narratives and focusing on the real issues at hand. With both political leaders and local officials urging against the spread of misinformation, the priority lies in supporting the community and addressing their needs rather than perpetuating unverified claims.