Trump Revives Derogatory Remarks About Haiti at Remarks About Haiti While Attacking Haitian Immigration Protections

President Donald Trump has once again used offensive language when discussing Haiti and other countries, reviving a controversial remark from his first term during a campaign rally in Georgia on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Speaking ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, Trump criticized Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff over immigration legislation involving Haiti and other countries.

During his remarks, Trump referred to a phrase that first drew international criticism in 2018, when he was reported to have used derogatory language about Haiti and several African nations during a private White House meeting.

This time, Trump repeated the insult publicly while addressing supporters.

Trump Brings Back His Controversial 2018 Remarks

During the rally, Trump accused Ossoff of supporting legislation that would bring large numbers of migrants into the United States from countries including Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia.

He then brought up the controversial language associated with his first presidency.

“Remember what I called them? Sh*thouse countries,” Trump said, according to the reported remarks.

Trump also recalled a meeting with lawmakers during his first term, when he questioned why the United States accepted immigrants from certain countries instead of nations such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

His comments brought renewed attention to a controversy that began in January 2018.

At that time, reports emerged that Trump had referred to Haiti and some African nations using the term “sh*thole countries” during a closed-door immigration meeting.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who attended the meeting, publicly confirmed that Trump had used the offensive language.

However, other officials who attended disputed or said they did not recall the wording.

The original remarks sparked widespread criticism, including strong reactions from Haitians and members of the Haitian diaspora who viewed the language as disrespectful and discriminatory.

Haitian Immigration Protections Become a Campaign Issue

Trump’s latest comments came as he criticized Ossoff over proposed immigration legislation.

The legislation described in the reporting concerns Temporary Protected Status, commonly known as TPS, for eligible Haitian nationals.

TPS is a federal immigration program that allows people from designated countries who meet specific requirements to remain temporarily in the United States when conditions in their home countries make safe return difficult.

Eligible beneficiaries may also receive authorization to work.

The program does not automatically provide permanent residency or citizenship.

Trump characterized the legislation as an effort to bring large numbers of migrants into the country.

However, a proposal to extend or maintain TPS protections for Haitians already eligible under the program is not the same as legislation authorizing large-scale new immigration.

That distinction matters because the debate concerns the legal protections available to Haitian nationals affected by instability and violence in their home country.

Why Haiti’s TPS Status Matters

Haiti has faced years of political instability, widespread gang violence and a humanitarian crisis that has displaced families and disrupted daily life.

These conditions have played a central role in discussions about whether Haitian nationals living in the United States should continue receiving temporary immigration protections.

For Haitian families, TPS decisions can affect their ability to work legally, remain in the country and maintain stability while conditions in Haiti remain dangerous.

The program has also become a major political issue, with supporters arguing that returning people to Haiti under current conditions could put them at risk.

Critics of the program have raised concerns about the duration of temporary immigration protections and broader immigration enforcement policies.

Trump’s latest remarks place Haiti back at the center of that debate just days before voters head to the polls.

Georgia Senate Race Draws National Attention

The comments came during a campaign rally in Georgia, where Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection against Republican Representative Mike Collins, who has received Trump’s endorsement.

The race is among the contests attracting attention ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Trump used the rally to criticize Democratic immigration policies and encourage support for Republican candidates.

His remarks about Haiti were part of a broader argument about immigration, border security and the direction of federal policy.

Trump’s Comments Renew a Longstanding Controversy

For many Haitians, Trump’s latest remarks bring back memories of the international backlash that followed his reported comments in 2018.

Haiti became the world’s first independent Black republic in 1804 after a successful revolution against French colonial rule.

The country has also contributed significantly to American communities through its immigrant population, including generations of Haitian Americans working in healthcare, education, business, public service and other industries.

Trump’s remarks are likely to renew conversations about how Haiti and Haitian immigrants are discussed in American politics.

They also highlight the importance of separating political claims about immigration from what proposed legislation would actually do.

Haitian Immigration Remains a Key Issue Ahead of Election Day

With the November 3 elections approaching, immigration policy remains a central issue in political campaigns across the United States.

For Haitian voters and families affected by TPS decisions, the debate goes beyond campaign speeches.

It involves questions about legal status, employment, family stability and the future of immigration protections.

Trump’s latest remarks have once again brought Haiti into the national political conversation.

As Election Day approaches, voters will have an opportunity to consider where candidates stand on immigration, public policy and the issues affecting their communities.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible voters can check their registration status, review their local voting requirements and make a plan to vote.