Can't read it? Listen now!
Chicago, September 21, 2024 – Colombian President Gustavo Petro, currently on a diplomatic visit to the United States, publicly condemned former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for comments targeting Haitian migrants. Petro’s remarks came during the “International Conference on Saving the Planet: A New World Order for Justice, Climate Change, Human Rights, and Peace,” held in Chicago, Illinois.
In his address, Petro responded to recent statements made by Trump, who claimed that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were responsible for killing and consuming pets, including cats and dogs. The inflammatory claim was reportedly based on a video that depicted a dead dog, which Trump’s campaign allegedly used to stoke anti-migrant sentiment.
Petro expressed deep concern over the misuse of such imagery in a political context, emphasizing that Trump’s statements not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also have the potential to provoke racist violence. “These kinds of actions lead to dangerous consequences,” Petro warned, adding that migrant populations, such as Haitians, could be specifically targeted as a result.
“I must voice my protest against candidate Trump,” Petro stated. “You cannot manipulate narratives and promote discrimination for political gain. I, too, have been a victim of this kind of distortion.”
The Colombian president further recalled personal experiences with Trump’s rhetoric. During his own presidential campaign, Trump had referred to Petro as a “terrorist,” an accusation Petro described as deeply unjust. “That kind of manipulation—using lies to spread fear—is what truly constitutes terrorism,” Petro remarked, arguing that divisive, racially charged political tactics damage both individuals and societies.
Petro also commented on the far-reaching influence of U.S. politics, particularly its impact on Latin America and, specifically, Colombia. “What happens in the U.S. affects the world,” he noted, adding that leaders of Latin American descent, as well as broader migrant communities, have a responsibility to speak out against insults and attacks aimed at their communities.
Petro’s condemnation of Trump comes just days before he is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His appearance at the 79th session of the UN will mark an opportunity for him to expand on the themes discussed during the Chicago conference, particularly regarding global justice, human rights, and peace.
Context of the Criticism
Trump’s comments about Haitian migrants follow a broader trend in his campaign rhetoric, which has often been characterized by xenophobic and anti-immigrant positions. By linking the presence of Haitian migrants to alleged animal abuse, Trump is reinforcing harmful stereotypes that could endanger marginalized communities.
Petro’s intervention highlights the interconnectedness of global politics, as leaders from different nations react to the internal dynamics of U.S. elections. In Petro’s view, the promotion of xenophobia in political campaigns not only harms the targeted groups but also damages international relations, particularly in regions like Latin America that are closely linked to U.S. policy.
As both leaders move forward in their respective political campaigns—Trump for the U.S. presidency and Petro for global diplomatic recognition—the clash between their opposing views on migration and human rights is likely to continue shaping discourse on the international stage.
