‘What the F just happened?’: Jon Stewart reacts to Trump ‘eating pets’ rant

The Daily Show host Jon Stewart, in a special live episode following the presidential debate between former U.S. president Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, was left incredulous.

“What the f— just happened?” he exclaimed.

The perplexed late-night host mocked Trump’s comments, which he presented without any evidence, about immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

“We’re a failing nation,” Trump said. “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”

Stewart responded: “Having spent some time in Springfield myself, I believe I know what’s happening here. I believe Trump himself may be becoming one of Springfield’s most famous residents,” before cutting to an old clip of Grandpa Simpson on The Simpsons.

He also issued a PSA for viewers: “A quick reminder to all the pet owners out there: Always remember to leash your dogs. It’s an important way to keep your dog from fighting other dogs or being hit by a car or being eaten by your immigrant neighbours.”

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Trump’s claims were questioned by David Muir, a moderator for the debate and anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, as he interrupted the debate to say that Springfield’s city manager has already clarified there is no evidence to suggest immigrants are eating dogs.

When Trump pushed back with claims that “the people on television say their dog was eaten by the people that went there,” Muir corrected him once more: “Again, the Springfield city manager says there’s no evidence of that.”

Trump’s comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans.

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