During the second night of the Republican primary debates, former President Donald Trump attacked Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance over allegations that he had once eaten dogs and cats. Vance, who grew up in poverty in Appalachia, denied the claims, stating that he had never eaten dogs or cats. Trump’s attacks came after Vance criticized him for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vance responded by saying that Trump was trying to distract from the issues. The debate took place in Detroit, Michigan.