A Republican Perspective on U.S. Support for Haiti: Respecting Sovereignty While Ensuring Stability

Haiti, the first independent Black republic, has long been a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Yet, it has also endured decades of political instability, economic hardship, and humanitarian crises that have left it vulnerable to external interventions. Today, Haiti faces one of its most dire challenges: an escalating security crisis fueled by armed gangs that control large parts of the country, leaving citizens in fear and institutions paralyzed.

The Biden Administration, seeking a solution, has opted to finance the deployment of Kenyan police forces to Haiti, under a United Nations-backed initiative aimed at restoring order. While well-intentioned, this approach raises critical questions about its long-term effectiveness and the message it sends to the Haitian people about their sovereignty.

From my perspective, a Republican president—such as Donald Trump—would have approached this situation differently. Guided by a philosophy of respect for sovereignty, limited interventionism, and an emphasis on empowering nations to solve their own challenges, a Trump-led administration might have opted for strategies that align with Haitian interests while safeguarding U.S. priorities. This essay explores how such an approach could have been both more effective and more respectful of Haiti’s self-determination.

The United States’ relationship with Haiti has been marked by a mix of engagement and exploitation. Following Haiti’s independence in 1804, the U.S. maintained a cautious distance, influenced by fears of slave revolts. Over time, however, geopolitical interests drew the U.S. closer to the Caribbean nation.

In 1915, the U.S. occupied Haiti under the pretext of stabilizing the country, an intervention that lasted nearly two decades. While the occupation brought infrastructure development, it also left deep scars, including resentment toward foreign interference and weakened Haitian institutions. Subsequent U.S. policies, such as the embargoes during the Duvalier regime and the interventions in the 1990s, have often prioritized American strategic interests over Haitian sovereignty.

A Republican approach to foreign policy, particularly under Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine, is often skeptical of prolonged military interventions or nation-building efforts. Instead, it focuses on empowering nations to handle their own affairs while fostering bilateral relationships that prioritize mutual benefit. This philosophy offers a framework for rethinking U.S. engagement with Haiti, one that respects its sovereignty while addressing its challenges.

Haiti’s current predicament is rooted in years of systemic neglect, corruption, and political instability. Armed gangs now control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other major areas, rendering the government nearly powerless. Kidnappings, murders, and displacement have become everyday realities for many Haitians.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 further destabilized the country, leaving a power vacuum that has yet to be filled. Meanwhile, the economy has deteriorated, with inflation skyrocketing and essential services collapsing. These conditions have fueled widespread desperation, leading to mass migration attempts and further exacerbating regional instability.

Given these challenges, international assistance is undeniably needed. However, the form that assistance takes is critical. The Biden Administration’s decision to support a Kenyan-led police deployment, while addressing immediate security concerns, risks overlooking the importance of Haitian agency and long-term solutions.

A Republican administration under Donald Trump would likely have emphasized Haitian sovereignty as a cornerstone of its approach. Instead of outsourcing security to Kenyan forces, Trump might have prioritized direct support for Haitian-led initiatives. This could involve providing resources, training, and logistical assistance to Haitian police forces, enabling them to combat gang violence on their own terms.

Respecting sovereignty means empowering Haitians to take ownership of their country’s future. A Trump administration could have facilitated partnerships with local leaders and organizations to ensure that solutions were tailored to Haiti’s unique cultural and political context. Such an approach would also have helped rebuild trust between the Haitian government and its citizens, a critical step in restoring stability.

Rather than relying on a non-Caribbean nation like Kenya, a Trump-led administration might have prioritized collaboration with regional partners through organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Engaging neighboring countries in Haiti’s stabilization effort would ensure a culturally and geographically aligned response.

Caribbean nations, sharing historical and economic ties with Haiti, are better positioned to understand its challenges and needs. A regional coalition, supported by U.S. funding and expertise, could have provided a more sustainable and effective solution than deploying forces from outside the hemisphere.

Donald Trump’s background in business and focus on economic incentives suggest that his administration would have prioritized addressing the root causes of Haiti’s instability through economic development. A Republican-led approach might have included:

•Trade incentives: Promoting trade agreements that benefit Haitian industries, particularly agriculture and textiles.

•Infrastructure investment: Partnering with private companies to rebuild critical infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

•Microfinance initiatives: Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs to create jobs and stimulate local economies.

Economic empowerment is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence that has long plagued Haiti. By focusing on development rather than short-term security fixes, the U.S. could have laid the groundwork for lasting stability.

Trump’s tenure demonstrated a preference for leveraging the private sector to address global challenges. In Haiti, this approach could involve mobilizing American businesses to invest in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and technology.

Public-private partnerships could provide much-needed capital and expertise while creating opportunities for Haitians to participate in their country’s recovery. This aligns with Republican principles of free-market solutions and limited government intervention.

While humanitarian aid is a critical component of any crisis response, a Trump-led administration might have emphasized accountability and efficiency in its delivery. By partnering with local organizations and community leaders, aid could be directed where it is needed most, minimizing waste and ensuring it reaches the Haitian people.

Additionally, focusing on education and skills training as part of aid programs could empower Haitians to rebuild their communities and contribute to their country’s development.

Critique of the Current Biden Administration’s Approach

The Biden Administration’s decision to support the deployment of Kenyan police forces in Haiti reflects a reliance on multilateralism and international partnerships. While this approach has its merits, it is not without significant flaws.

First, the use of Kenyan forces risks undermining Haitian sovereignty. Many Haitians view foreign interventions with skepticism, given their history of exploitation and marginalization. Deploying a non-Caribbean force could exacerbate these sentiments, further alienating the population.

Second, Kenya’s own human rights record raises concerns about the potential for abuses during the mission. Critics argue that this undermines the moral authority of the intervention and could lead to unintended consequences.

Finally, this strategy appears to prioritize short-term security over long-term stability. While addressing gang violence is critical, it is not a substitute for strengthening Haiti’s institutions and addressing the root causes of its challenges. A more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.

A Republican-led vision for Haiti’s future would prioritize sovereignty, empowerment, and self-reliance. This approach would focus on:

•Strengthening Institutions: Providing technical assistance to rebuild Haiti’s government and judiciary systems, ensuring they can function independently and effectively.

•Promoting Economic Freedom: Encouraging private investment and entrepreneurship to create jobs and reduce dependency on foreign aid.

•Building Partnerships: Collaborating with regional and local actors to ensure solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable.

Such a vision aligns with conservative principles of limited government, respect for national pride, and the belief in individual and community-driven progress.

Haiti’s current crisis demands urgent action, but the form that action takes is crucial. The Biden Administration’s support for Kenyan police forces represents one approach, but it risks undermining Haiti’s sovereignty and long-term stability.

From a Republican perspective, a more effective strategy would prioritize empowering Haitians to solve their own challenges, supported by targeted U.S. assistance and regional cooperation. By respecting sovereignty, fostering economic growth, and strengthening institutions, a Republican-led approach could achieve sustainable stability while honoring the Haitian people’s resilience and independence.

Haiti deserves a partner, not a savior. By reevaluating U.S. strategy and embracing principles of empowerment and self-determination, we can help Haiti build a brighter future on its own terms.