HDPAC v. DONALD TRUMP PRESS RELEASE (1)
Washington, DC – The Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee (HDPAC)
and The Office of the Haitian Diaspora (ODIHA) have filed a landmark federal
lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Donald J. Trump, J.D. Vance,
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Congressman Clay Higgins, Elon Musk, the
CEO of X, X and several others. The lawsuit charges the defendants with
orchestrating a civil conspiracy to violate the civil rights of Haitian migrants,
particularly those residing in Springfield, Ohio.
This legal action comes after years of inflammatory rhetoric by Donald Trump and
other defendants, which the plaintiffs allege has incited hostility and violence against
Haitian migrants. The lawsuit highlights Trump’s long history of animus toward
Haitian immigrants, citing the 2019 federal court decision in Saget v. Trump, which
found that Trump’s public statements reflected racial animus against Haitians and
likely influenced his administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected
Status (TPS) for Haiti. That court imposed a federal injunction, concluding that
plaintiffs were likely to prevail on equal protection claims due to the discriminatory
motives behind the termination.
The current lawsuit ODIHA v. DONALD TRUMP, Case No.:_1:24:cv-23736
claims that Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, his running mate in the 2024
presidential election, have perpetuated a harmful narrative by falsely accusing
Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee
ComCommittee
1717 Pennsylvania
Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006 | www.hdpac.org
Jean D. Vernet
Chairman of the Board
Office: 202-559-9306
Cell: 202-993-5333
Email: [email protected]
www.hdpac.org
Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, of engaging in criminal activities, such as
stealing and consuming pets. These statements were widely disseminated on social
media and public platforms, despite being debunked by local officials. The plaintiffs
allege that these false claims were not only defamatory but racially motivated,
designed to incite fear and hatred against the Haitian community.
The lawsuit outlines how the defendants’ statements led to an escalation of threats,
including bomb threats and other forms of violence, targeting Haitian migrants in
Springfield and across the United States. The plaintiffs assert that the defendants’
actions have caused significant harm to the Haitian community, including emotional
distress, reputational damage, and threats to their safety.
“No one is above the law, including a former president or sitting officials. The
defendants’ reckless and defamatory conduct has endangered the lives of Haitian
migrants across the United States,” said Ralph Francois, counsel for the plaintiffs.
“This lawsuit aims to hold the Defendants accountable for their hateful rhetoric and
the consequences it has had on an entire community.” Said David L. Alexis,
President of ODIHA.
“Haitian American children have been traumatized by these lies. They have been
bullied in schools. This has added to the stress of these families. Like all immigrants,
Haitians come to help build and renew America through hard work and
determination.” Said Jean D. Vernet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee (HDPAC).
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to
prevent further violations of the plaintiffs’ civil rights. The plaintiffs believe this case
will expose the racially motivated conspiracy orchestrated by the defendants and
Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee
ComCommittee
1717 Pennsylvania
Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006 | www.hdpac.org
Jean D. Vernet
Chairman of the Board
Office: 202-559-9306
Cell: 202-993-5333
Email: [email protected]
www.hdpac.org
send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and will not go
unchallenged.
National& International Media Contact:
Emmanuel Roy
Director of Communications
HDPAC
1771 Pennsylvania Avenue
Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-559-9306
Cell: 202-993-5333
Email: [email protected]
