2024 Elections: US Foreign Policy Towards Haiti and Its Diplomatic and Aid Outlook
Author: Cathleen Jeanty, New York, NY
Editor: Wolf Pamphile, Dr. Gloria Blaise, Washington, D.C., USA
Official U.S. State Department photo
Each year, U.S. aid to Haiti includes health, education, governance, and infrastructure funding. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the U.S. has pledged over $380 million in aid to Haiti in support of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and the Haitian National Police. For fiscal year 2025, the U.S. outlines $356.7 million in bilateral aid to Haiti. However, the looming U.S. presidential election could alter this aid landscape. This analysis will explore how each presidential frontrunner might either buoy or reduce the support systems in place for Haiti.
American presidential elections have always had serious implications for Haiti. However, as presidential administrations change, so do the diplomatic priorities. Reagan’s presidencies oversaw a turbulent and complex period of U.S.-Haiti relations that included the removal of “Baby Doc.” George W. Bush’s terms were marked by the second ouster of Aristide and, ultimately, deploying a U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSTAH. President Barack Obama’s administration saw over $1 billion sent to Haiti. With Haiti amid so many crises, what is borne of this election will likely be equally monumental for Haiti’s future as the changes brought about by previous U.S. presidential administrations.
In June 2021, Vice President Harris sent a clear anti-immigration message when she warned Guatemalan migrants not to come to the United States, stating that they would be turned away at the border. This hardline stance was a stark contrast to remarks she made in 2023 about the Caribbean region when she said, “As neighbors, the United States shares common bonds and interests with the Caribbean nations. Our partnership, we strongly believe, is essential to our mutual security and prosperity.”
Besides their historical and locational proximity, Guatemala and Haiti share a similar past of colonization and economic instability. As the situation in Haiti worsens, it remains to be seen if Harris’ policy towards Haiti will draw yet one more parallel between the two nations.
In September of 2024, Vice President Harris revealed her campaign platform. Though the platform contains no explicit mention of Haiti, in it, she vows to “strengthen, not abdicate, our global leadership.” Given Vice President Kamala Harris’s role within the incumbent administration, a potential Harris-Walz presidency could broadly represent a continuation of the current U.S. approach toward Haiti.
As a U.S. Senator, Harris co-sponsored the "Keep Families Together Act" (2018), introduced in response to the Trump administration’s "zero tolerance" immigration policy that led to the widespread separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border. The “Keep Families Together Act” sought to limit the government’s ability to remove children from their parents unless there was evidence of abuse, trafficking, or a credible threat to the child's safety. The bill hit a stalemate in the then-Republican-controlled Senate.
She also voted in favor of S.J.Res.54 (2019), a resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Yemen and ultimately, reduce American involvement abroad. Though the resolution passed Congress, it was vetoed by then-President Donald Trump. This could signal an administration that favors less involvement abroad. Despite Trump’s efforts to distance himself from the Project 2025 document, the potential for its implementation has allowed voters to draw conclusions about what a potential Trump presidency could mean for American foreign policy. Project 2025 advocates for the reevaluation of existing foreign aid programs, arguing that American resources should be used domestically. This, alongside Trump's previous comments about Haiti, could signal an administration with aims to diminish involvement in the nation.
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, visit to Haiti September 9, 2024
Official State Department photo by Chuck Kennedy
Eager to quell the ever-worsening crisis, acting Prime Minister Garry Conille has actively sought more international support - especially from the U.S.. In response to the ongoing chaos in Haiti, The United Nations Security Council approved the Multinational Security Support Mission(MSS), in October 2023. However, the MSS mission could fare differently under each administration. Under Trump, there may very well be a reduction in U.S. funding for health programs in Haiti, including those related to the mission. It is also worth noting that, during Trump’s presidency, his administration notably had a hard time filling diplomatic posts. Without the traditional diplomatic guardrails in place, a normally conflict-prone Trump may meet the existing gang violence in Haiti with exacerbated force.
The data shows evidence that the Harris-Walz administration might increase support for public health initiatives in Haiti and ultimately bolster the MSS mission. However, with Project 2025’s calls to reduce foreign aid, under a Trump-Vance ticket, the MSS mission could face divestment, leading to increased violence, large-scale displacement, regional instability, and worsening human rights abuses.
Although the entirety of each frontrunner's policies has been fully delineated, alongside the two distinct visions for America lie two equally divergent influences on Haiti — each with the capacity to ripple through Haiti’s political, economic, and social landscape. These ripples are already beginning. In September 2024, Haitian authorities declared a state of emergency as gang violence surged, ultimately leading to a visit from the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. While in Haiti, he reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Haiti noting, “At this critical moment, we do need more funding, we do need more personnel to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission.”
Regardless of who wins the election, the next administration will undoubtedly have a laborious task ahead. With over 300,000 Haitians living in America under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and approximately 112,000 admitted through the Parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans parole program (CHNV) program, the MSS Mission, and political stability hanging in the balance, the question now is whether a Harris or Trump administration will be the one to shape the future of U.S.-Haiti relations. With fewer than 2 weeks until the U.S. Presidential election, Haiti stands at a crossroads. Now, more than ever, strong multilateral relations will shape Haiti’s trajectory. What role America will play remains to be seen.
Haiti Policy House is a not-for-profit institution focusing on Haitian public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan. Haiti Policy House does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author(s).
© 2024 by Haiti Policy House. All rights reserved.
Readers like you made this analysis possible. Thank you for your donations. We look forward to your continued support! Donate Here