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During President Joe Biden’s tenure, Haiti’s deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian situation emerged as a significant concern for U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. The Biden administration prioritized multilateral solutions, empowering Kenya to lead a Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti to combat gang violence and restore basic governance.
Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols highlighted these efforts, stating that the administration “prevented Haiti from collapsing.” The mission, which began deploying in late 2024, is a cornerstone of Biden’s strategy, along with ongoing U.S. support for humanitarian aid and technical assistance to Haitian institutions.
However, the administration stopped short of direct U.S. military intervention, a move that some experts argue might have provided the decisive action needed to stabilize Haiti. Critics suggest that Washington’s reluctance stemmed from domestic political considerations and “Haiti fatigue” among policymakers.
Haiti remains mired in crises that threaten its sovereignty and stability. Armed gangs control large portions of Port-au-Prince, displacing over 700,000 people and rendering much of the capital ungovernable. Humanitarian aid faces severe barriers, with food shortages and hunger escalating to alarming levels.
Despite the MSS Mission’s presence, experts, including former U.S. Ambassador to Haiti James B. Foley, have warned that without stronger support from the U.S., the mission may falter. Foley described Haiti’s trajectory as a “ticking time bomb,” noting that widespread violence, governance failures, and potential mass migration to the U.S. could force Washington to re-engage more forcefully.
The Biden administration’s measured approach reflects a broader U.S. strategy to avoid heavy-handed involvement in Haiti while focusing on diplomatic partnerships. This strategy contrasts with past interventions, such as the 2004 deployment of U.S. Marines under President George W. Bush to stabilize Haiti during another period of unrest.
Looking ahead, the incoming Trump administration may face pressure to adopt a more interventionist policy. Trump has historically positioned himself as a proponent of swift, decisive action, and analysts suggest that a limited U.S. military operation could be a possibility if the MSS Mission struggles to contain the gangs or if migration crises escalate.
Foley noted that while Trump opposes prolonged foreign entanglements, he may view Haiti’s proximity and potential impact on U.S. interests as warranting intervention. “The experience shows that Haitian gangs crumble in the face of U.S. military force,” Foley said, advocating for a targeted operation to restore order.
Haiti’s crisis poses a unique challenge for U.S. foreign policy, highlighting the limits of multilateralism and the complexities of balancing domestic priorities with international responsibilities. Biden’s focus on diplomacy and partnerships has prevented Haiti’s outright collapse, but deeper involvement may be unavoidable if conditions worsen.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Haiti’s future hangs in the balance. Washington’s next moves will determine not only the course of Haiti’s recovery but also the broader U.S. role in promoting stability and governance in the Caribbean.
