In Tuesday night's presidential debate, former President Donald Trump's statement about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, allegedly "eating the dogs" of local residents was met with skepticism and disapproval from voters across party lines. Despite pushback from local officials and lack of credible evidence, Trump doubled down on the claim, leading to a mixed reaction among Republicans, independents, and Democrats.

During the debate, Trump asserted, "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there." This controversial statement caused a dip in approval ratings from all groups, with independents and Republicans experiencing the most significant drops, while Democratic approval remained consistently low.

The basis for Trump's claim stemmed from online reports that had gone viral in recent days. Springfield, a town that has seen an influx of Haitian migrants, has also witnessed complaints from several local residents. However, these claims mostly consisted of unsubstantiated reports, including allegations of migrants eating ducks or pets. One incident in Canton, Ohio, involved a non-Haitian woman allegedly eating a cat, further fueling the misinformation.

In response to inquiries from Fox News Digital, local officials refuted the claims circulating online. They clarified, "There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community." Despite these clarifications, some Republicans continued to perpetuate the claims, citing a police call reporting migrants stealing geese.

Following the exchange on the pet-eating claim, Trump's approval ratings saw a temporary rise among Republicans and independents as he shifted the focus to the broader issue of the border crisis. He accused Vice President Kamala Harris of "destroying this country" and warned of impending failure if she were elected. However, his approval dropped once again among Democrats and independents when moderators challenged his claim, but slightly increased among Republicans as he stood by it.

While Trump's controversial statement divided opinion within the focus group, it showcased the power of misinformation and the impact it can have on public perceptions. The inclusion of unverified online reports in a high-stakes debate raises concerns about the spread of false narratives and the need for responsible sourcing in political discourse.

As the presidential campaign continues, it remains crucial for voters to critically evaluate claims made by candidates and scrutinize the information being presented, ensuring a more accurate and informed understanding of the issues at hand.