Outrage Over Republican’s Racist Tweet on Haitian Immigrants as ‘Gangsters’

A Republican congressman is facing significant criticism after a controversial online post in which he referred to Haitian immigrants using derogatory terms, including “slapstick gangsters” and accused them of eating pets and practicing “vudu.”

The backlash was widespread, with many individuals, including members of the House of Representatives, condemning Louisiana Representative Clay Higgins for his remarks. His comments were made in response to news of criminal charges being filed against Donald Trump and JD Vance in Springfield.

“Lol. These Haitians are wild,” Higgins wrote, reacting to an article from the Associated Press discussing the legal issues of Trump and Vance. He continued, “Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP. All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.”

The mention of January 20 refers to the inauguration day, when a new president is sworn into office.

Following a wave of complaints, including one from Congressman Steven Horsford, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Higgins deleted his post. On the House floor, Horsford submitted a motion to censure Higgins, stating that the comments brought “discredit and disgrace to the House of Representatives.”

“His words are inciting hate and fear, and we must act to hold him accountable,” Horsford noted.

Speaker Mike Johnson came to Higgins’ defense, labeling him as “a dear friend” and explaining to reporters that Higgins had reflected on the post and felt remorse afterwards. “He was approached on the floor by colleagues who said that was offensive. He went to the back, prayed about it, and regretted it. He pulled the post down,” Johnson explained.

“I’m sure he probably regrets the language he used. But you know, we move forward. We believe in redemption around here,” he added.

The rapid deletion of the post did not prevent strong reactions on social media. Many users on X, formerly Twitter, were dismayed by Higgins’ comments, including CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who referenced Higgins’ past endorsement of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke for governor in 1992. “By the way, yes, it’s 2024 and members of Congress are still saying things like this aloud!” Tapper remarked. Another user stated, “No dog whistle here – this is a full-on bullhorn.”

One individual commented, “I thought this was fake; I had to check myself, and he posted this from his official government account.”

Higgins’ tweet was sparked by a report that a nonprofit organization representing the Haitian community had taken steps to file charges against Trump and Vance. The Haitian Bridge Alliance asserted that the charges were necessary due to the chaos and threats faced in Springfield ever since Trump spread false allegations about legal immigrants during a presidential debate. Vance, his Republican counterpart, has repeated similar claims, seemingly suggesting he had the right to fabricate negative narratives about immigrants.

Furthermore, Trump has declared intentions to deport immigrants like those in Springfield, despite their legal status under a federal program that allows them to stay temporarily. This context adds weight to Higgins’ inflammatory remarks, which have now drawn widespread scrutiny and condemnation.