Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford condemned an “overtly racist” tweet by Louisiana Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins targeting Haitians and Haitian Americans. Higgins’ tweet invoked racist stereotypes and called for Haitians to leave the country before the next presidential inauguration.
Horsford and other members approached Higgins on the House floor and called for a vote to censure him when the House returns from recess. Rep. Troy Carter also criticized the tweet as racist and dangerous, emphasizing the responsibility of elected officials to respect all races.
House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to Higgins, who expressed regret for the language used in the tweet and promptly deleted it. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise defended Higgins, arguing against censure and suggesting that divisive comments can be found on both sides of the aisle.
The tweet stirred controversy and was condemned by Democrats for its racist content and harmful stereotypes. Haitians have been granted Temporary Protected Status and are not among immigrants living in the country illegally. The false information spread by Higgins has led to hoax bomb threats against the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in political discourse and the need for elected officials to act responsibly and respectfully towards all communities. Critics argue that hate-filled rhetoric like Higgins’ tweet undermines democratic values and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
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