Donald Trump railed against illegal immigrants on Wednesday and pledged to visit Springfield, Ohio, a town embroiled in racial tensions fueled by his campaign’s conspiracy theories. Speaking at a rally on New York’s Long Island, Trump announced he would visit the town “in the next two weeks.”
Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have repeatedly made false claims that immigrants from Haiti were involved in bizarre activities, including eating residents’ pets. These unfounded allegations have contributed to heightened tensions in Springfield, where schools and government buildings have been targeted with bomb threats.
In his speech, Trump described illegal immigrants as “animals” and gang members who were undermining American society. He vowed to deport such individuals and impose severe penalties for those who return.
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris is focusing on economic achievements as she campaigns for re-election. On Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve announced a reduction in its key lending rate by half a percentage point, the first cut since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move lowers borrowing costs for Americans and was welcomed by Harris, who highlighted it as a positive development for the economy.
The Fed’s decision aligns with Harris’s efforts to emphasize the economic progress made under President Joe Biden’s administration. She characterized the rate cut as “welcome news for Americans who have borne the brunt of high prices.”
However, the Harris campaign faced a setback when the influential Teamsters union announced it would not endorse a presidential candidate in 2024. The union, which had supported Democrats in every presidential election since 2000, made this decision shortly after Harris addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, where she emphasized her commitment to working Americans. She stressed the importance of prioritizing the middle and working classes, understanding their dreams, desires, and ambitions.
