Haitian Leader Warns Trump Administration's Policies Will Have Catastrophic Impact on Haiti

Leslie Voltaire, the president of Haiti's transitional presidential council, expressed grave concerns over the Trump administration's recent policy decisions. These include freezing aid programs, deporting migrants, and blocking refugees. Voltaire described these actions as potentially "catastrophic" for Haiti. He shared these thoughts during an interview in Rome after meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican.

"I'm knocking on the doors of people who love Haiti. The Pope loves Haiti, and he is eager to help," Voltaire stated. The discussions with the pontiff focused on Haiti's dire situation, where gangs operate with impunity, causing widespread violence and hunger among half of the nation's 11.4 million population.

Impact of US Policies on Haiti

Voltaire highlighted that thousands are being repatriated weekly from the Dominican Republic, exacerbating the crisis. He noted that President Trump's derogatory remarks about Haiti reflect a lack of concern for the country. "Trump said that Haiti is a shithole, so I don't think he will care about Haiti," Voltaire remarked.

During his first term, Trump questioned why the U.S. should accept immigrants from countries like Haiti using vulgar language. Although the White House did not deny these comments, it stated that Trump supports immigration policies welcoming those who can contribute to society.

Challenges Facing Haitians in the US

Voltaire mentioned that around 1.5 million Haitians reside in the United States, with approximately 150,000 under the "Temporary Protection System." He warned that Trump's plans to expel them would overwhelm Haiti, already struggling with hunger and displacement.

The UN migration agency reported that internal displacement in Haiti has tripled over the past year due to gang violence. Over 1 million people are now displaced within the country, marking a record high according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Efforts to Stabilise Haiti

Voltaire and his transitional government aim to lead Haiti to general elections by next November despite gang dominance in 85% of the capital. He believes boosting Haiti's multinational police force could facilitate elections this year.

Kenya leads this force with over 600 officers deployed, although this is below their pledged 1,000 officers. Additional support includes 150 Guatemalans and eight Salvadorean troops, but overall numbers remain below the anticipated strength of 2,500 officers.

International Support and Future Plans

Benin has promised an additional 2,000 soldiers to aid in stabilising Haiti. Voltaire emphasised the need for a referendum on a new constitution alongside elections by November's end. "We have like eight departments, like 80% of the country. We can do the election," he asserted.

The power of gangs has surged since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in 2021. Some gangs have shown interest in joining political processes; however, Voltaire firmly rejected this notion: "I don't think they should be around the table. I think they are criminals."

The United Nations reported over 5,600 killings across Haiti last year—a more than 20% increase compared to all of 2023. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned that gangs might soon overrun Port-au-Prince without additional international support for national police forces.

Voltaire requested Pope Francis organise an international solidarity conference for Haiti. The Pope noted this idea on paper during their meeting, and later Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin indicated efforts to involve Mexico and Canada in funding such a conference.