Image shows the water tower in Springfield, Ohio
Image caption,

Springfield, in south-west Ohio, was thrust into the spotlight in 2024 when Trump repeated a false claim about Haitian immigrants eating pets

ByTom Bateman reporting from Ohio
  • Published21 October 2026, 03:37 BST

In this closely fought midterm election campaign, the small town of Springfield, Ohio, has become a symbol of modern America. But it is a symbol that changes dramatically depending on who is describing it.

To President Donald Trump, Springfield crystallises America's problems due to years of unchecked immigration. He once echoed a false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets here. Today, he says his mass deportation drive means its people are "getting their town back".