Vance Defends ‘Creating Stories’ to Spotlight Immigration Concerns Amid False Rumor Controversy
In a startling disclosure, Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance confessed to his willingness to “create stories” to bring attention to issues during his campaign. His defense of false and racist rumors about pet abductions and consumption in Springfield, Ohio, has sparked controversy. Vance’s claim of needing exaggerated narratives to highlight the plight of the American people has left many in disbelief.
During an interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Vance justified his remarks, saying, “I felt the need to create stories so that the media pays attention to the suffering of the American people.” When questioned by host Dana Bash about whether the baseless rumors he spread were fabricated, Vance responded affirmatively, claiming the rumors were based on “constituent accounts.” He also noted that both he and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had highlighted these stories to focus on Springfield’s growing Haitian population.
Backlash Over False Claims
Vance’s statements were met with swift and severe condemnation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Democratic supporter of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, criticized Vance on social media, calling his comments a clear admission of lying. Buttigieg wrote on X: “Remarkable confession by JD Vance when he said he will ‘create stories’ (that is, lie) to redirect the media.”
Vance further fueled controversy by referring to Springfield’s Haitian population as “illegal,” despite the fact that many Haitian residents hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to violence in their home country. The rumors, which falsely linked the Haitian community to pet abductions, have led to bomb threats against hospitals and government offices in the town, heightening tensions.
Defending Immigration Policies
Despite the backlash, Vance doubled down on his claims, insisting the rumors served to criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies. “I’m not mad at Haitian migrants for wanting a better life,” Vance stated. “We’re angry at Kamala Harris for letting this happen.”
Springfield, a town of 60,000, saw an influx of about 15,000 immigrants starting in 2017, filling labor gaps in the local manufacturing sector. Many of these immigrants work in factories related to packaging and automotive machining. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine defended the Haitian community, stating, “They are here legally… They’re working very hard. And they’re fitting in.”
Further Controversy and Focus on Policy
Vance also sought to distance himself from a scandal involving far-right political ally Laura Loomer. Loomer had made racially charged comments, suggesting that the White House would “smell like curry” if Kamala Harris were elected president. Vance, whose wife is of Indian heritage, brushed off Loomer’s remarks, stating they were irrelevant to the political conversation. “What Laura said about Kamala Harris is not what we should be focused on. We should be focused on policy and the issues.”
Despite these controversies, Vance continues to defend his actions, claiming his focus remains on highlighting what he considers the failures of the current administration’s immigration policies, even as he faces growing criticism.
As the election draws near, Vance’s role in spreading false narratives has thrust him into the national spotlight, with critics questioning his credibility and intentions.