Charleroi: The Pennsylvania town now being targeted by Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric

Trump claims town has seen "2,000 percent increase" in Haitian population leading to financial strain, rising crime

Former President Donald Trump has set his sights on Charleroi, Pennsylvania, claiming during a recent rally in Tucson, Arizona that the small town is overwhelmed by Haitian immigrants

Trump claimed that under Vice President Kamala Harris, the town has seen a "2,000 percent increase" in its Haitian population, leading to financial strain and rising crime.

He urged voters in Pennsylvania to remember these claims when they go to the polls.

Trump further alleged that the influx of immigrants had caused local schools to struggle, claiming they were forced to hire translators for students who "don’t speak a word of English," costing local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He also suggested that the immigrant population had bankrupted the town.

However, local officials quickly refuted Trump's statements. Charleroi Borough Manager Joe Manning told The Philadelphia Inquirer that Trump's claims were blatantly false.

Manning acknowledged an increase in the town's Haitian population but said it was relative to Charleroi’s small size.

According to census data, the town had a population of 4,324 in 2022, and while there has been growth, Manning noted the newcomers were not a burden on local resources.

He compared the situation to any other group moving into the area.

Charleroi Area School District Superintendent Ed Zelich also debunked Trump’s claim about financial strain on the schools.

Zelich explained that while there were initial language barriers, they were manageable. Additionally, increased enrollment came with state reimbursements, reducing any financial impact on taxpayers.

Kristin R. Hopkins, President of Charleroi Borough, expressed concern over Trump’s rhetoric, stating it unfairly targeted the town’s Haitian immigrant community.

Hopkins emphasized that the town’s real economic challenges were being ignored in favor of divisive, fear-driven narratives.

Her statement garnered backlash from some local Republicans, including City Council Member Larry Celaschi, who argued that the town’s budget had been impacted by the influx of immigrants, though he admitted there was no government support to handle it.

The Haitian immigrants in Charleroi are in the US legally under Temporary Protected Status, and many contribute to the community by paying taxes and owning property.

Trump's latest remarks appear to be part of a broader strategy to appeal to voters in battleground states by fueling anti-immigrant sentiment, despite local leaders challenging his assertions.

In a related development, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced increased patrols in Springfield schools following a series of bomb threats.

This comes amid rising tensions, with some critics suggesting that anti-immigrant rhetoric may be contributing to escalating threats and unrest.

However, Republican Senator J.D. Vance dismissed such claims as “disgusting,” defending the GOP's stance on immigration.