Former Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has recently stepped into a heated controversy surrounding Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio.
Reports surfaced claiming these migrants were involved in bizarre incidents, including the alleged taking of ducks from local parks and even stealing pets, such as cats, from neighbors to eat. While the veracity of these claims is highly disputed, Williamson’s comments have brought an unusual dimension to the debate, focusing on the cultural and religious context of the Haitian community.
Taking to social media platform X, Williamson made an intriguing argument centered on the Haitian practice of voodoo, a religion that is deeply rooted in the culture of Haiti. She cautioned against dismissing the reports too quickly, suggesting that such a reaction would only deepen the divide between political factions in the U.S., especially with the election approaching.
In her post, she stated, “Continuing to dump on Trump because of the ‘eating cats’ issue will create blowback on Nov. 5. Haitian voodoo is in fact real, and to dismiss the story out-of-hand rather than listen to the citizens of Springfield, Ohio, confirms in the minds of many voters the stereotype of Democrats as smug elite jerks who think they’re too smart to listen to anyone outside their own silo.”
Her remarks touch on two sensitive points: the cultural perception of voodoo and the political danger of ignoring grassroots concerns, especially when they relate to immigration. By invoking voodoo, Williamson draws attention to the broader cultural background of the Haitian migrants, implying that practices unfamiliar to most Americans may be misunderstood or sensationalized. More importantly, her focus on the political ramifications hints at a growing divide between voters who feel neglected by mainstream politics and those who dismiss such concerns outright as mere sensationalism.
This controversy gained national attention when former President Donald Trump referenced the reports during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, never one to shy away from polarizing topics, pointed to the allegations as evidence of the current administration's failure to control immigration and protect American communities.
Moderator David Muir attempted to fact-check Trump in real-time, citing a conversation with Springfield’s city manager, who claimed that these reports were “unfounded.” Despite this, the story continues to circulate, fueled by social media and local residents who remain convinced that something unusual is happening in their community.
Williamson’s comments suggest that dismissing these concerns could backfire, particularly among voters who feel their concerns are being swept under the rug by what she calls "elite" Democrats. Whether or not the allegations about the migrants prove true, the political implications are clear.
Ignoring or ridiculing voters who raise such concerns could only serve to alienate them further, potentially driving them toward Trump or other candidates willing to engage with their anxieties, however controversial.