By: Senator Shevrin Jones, Deputy Democratic Leader (2018 – 2020)
Donald Trump and JD Vance have once again crossed a dangerous line, peddling blatantly false and racist conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants in a desperate bid to stoke fear and division ahead of the Harris-Trump debate.
It’s desperate and dangerous, but not at all surprising. JD Vance’s heinous social media post spewing baseless allegations about Haitian migrants shows just how deeply the Trump-Vance campaign embraces the toxic legacy of racism that plagues the Republican Party.
But they didn’t stop there. During the debate, Trump shamelessly doubled down, spewing these vile, bigoted accusations with no regard for the pain and damage his words inflict on Haitian families across America. This was no gaffe—it was a deliberate attempt to scapegoat and fearmonger. Trump’s meltdown on stage, where he clung to these lies, should serve as yet another reminder of his complete unfitness to lead.
These baseless accusations aren’t just offensive—they’re dangerous.
Words matter, and the toxic rhetoric Trump and Vance are spreading online is having real-world consequences. Most recently, we had bomb threats targeting medical facilities and others, all using hateful, xenophobic language toward migrants. These threats didn’t stop there—two elementary schools were evacuated, and a middle school was closed due to a similar threat. This alarming escalation is directly connected to the baseless rumors spread by Donald Trump and his allies, highlighting the real harm their words inflict on communities.
Haitian Americans have made significant contributions to this country, especially in South Florida, where one of the largest Haitian communities thrives. They are nurses, teachers, small business owners, and advocates who enrich our communities and culture. The absurd attacks from Trump and his allies do nothing but fan the flames of prejudice, attempting to tarnish the reputation of a population that embodies resilience, strength, and hope.
There are over 300,000 registered Haitian voters in Florida, and in 2018, Haitian voter turnout was an impressive 73%, far above the 64% overall turnout in the state. This electorate holds significant power, especially in a state like Florida where every vote counts. Haitian voters are a vital part of the diverse coalition that will help decide the future of this country.
Haitian Americans will never be defined by the ignorant lies of those who are disconnected from the truth.
Contrast this with Vice President Kamala Harris, who understands that America’s diversity is our strength. While Trump relies on division and fear, Harris and Governor Tim Walz believe in an inclusive America where all communities—no matter their background—can thrive. They know that our nation is stronger when people from every corner of the world contribute to our collective future.
Harris has proven time and again that she stands with Haitian migrants and the Haitian-American community. Her leadership has brought real progress on issues that deeply impact Haiti and the United States. Last year, she announced millions in humanitarian aid to support Haiti’s recovery, and her administration has worked diligently to establish the Haiti Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in collaboration with the Haitian National Police. This vital partnership combats human trafficking and arms smuggling, issues that have long plagued the region. Harris is leading with diplomacy, empathy, and action—not the dangerous demagoguery we see from Trump.
This fall, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Vice President Harris represents progress and the opportunity to move our country forward, while Trump drags us backward, clinging to the politics of fear and hatred.
Let’s be clear: Americans must stand united against those who vilify our Haitian brothers and sisters. Our country, and Florida in particular, deserve leaders who build bridges—not those who sow division. Haitian Americans have fought too hard, contributed too much, and sacrificed greatly to be reduced to pawns in Trump’s cynical political game.
We need a president who sees the dignity in all people, and Vice President Kamala Harris has shown she is that leader.
In November, we must reject the fear mongering of Donald Trump and stand for an America that lifts everyone up. Haiti, Florida, and the entire nation deserve better than the divisive, self-serving agenda of Trump and his enablers.
