For Trump and Vance, The Lies Are The Point

WASHINGTON – As the Trump-Vance campaign continues to double down on their fabricated conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants, which are inciting real-life violence in Springfield, Ohio, a recent gaffe from GOP Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance reveals the ugly truth: the lies are the point. As immigration remains a top issue for voters ahead of November, Trump and Vance continue to intentionally amplify baseless lies from far-right corners of the internet–or as Vance said, “create stories”–about immigrants in order to legitimize their dangerous and deeply unpopular immigration agenda. Without these false narratives, their plans for mass deportations and family separation would be exposed for what they truly are: inhumane.

Watch Vance on CNN here.

“Doubling down on falsehoods against immigrants to rile up white nationalists and score imaginary political points should serve as a sober reminder that Trump and Vance are willing to jeopardize the American people’s safety,” said Immigration Hub Deputy Director Beatriz Lopez. “For too long, Trump, GOP campaigns, far right influencers, and the salacious right-wing media have spent money and time on amplifying anti-immigrant messaging and misinformation. As a result, these lies are able to take root, creating an illusion of widespread support for their harmful ideas that, as we’re witnessing in Springfield, inspire real-life violence.” 

Vice President Kamala Harris recently addressed the damage these lies are causing in Springfield, calling it a “crying shame.” In contrast, Harris has outlined a vision for immigration reform that balances border security with pathways to citizenship for long-settled undocumented immigrants. When faced with the choice, voters overwhelmingly show preference for this approach (61% support) over Trump’s plans for mass deportations (39% support). As Harris and Democrats ramp up their offensive strategy on the issue, increasing immigration-related ad spending by 300% in August, the increased investments are proving fruitful: polls show Harris “slashing” the gap between herself and Trump on immigration.

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.