In brief
The Trump administration’s move to label powerful gangs in Haiti as terrorists can potentially halt trade and humanitarian efforts in a nation already suffering from severe unrest.
On May 2, 2025, the Trump administration took a significant step in addressing the escalating violence in Haiti by officially designating a powerful coalition of armed gangs as a terrorist organization. This coalition, known as Viv Ansanm — translated as Living Together in Haitian Creole — has been implicated in widespread violence and attacks on state entities, exacerbating the country’s existing humanitarian crisis.Gangs in Haiti currently wield considerable control over vital sectors of the economy, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where they manipulate access to major roads and ports. The gangs began as a self-proclaimed protector of civilians but quickly transformed into aggressive entities that target hospitals, communities, and law enforcement, making the need for intervention critical.President Trump's designation grants his administration extensive authority to implement harsh economic sanctions not just against the gangs but also against any individual or business perceived to be engaging with them. Experts fear that this unilateral action could lead to a total trade embargo against Haiti, with virtually no goods being able to move without incurring payments to these powerful criminal organizations.Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, expressed concerns over the ramifications of such sanctions. He noted on social media that humanitarian programs would likely grind to a halt as aid organizations would face challenges entering communities without negotiating with gang members.As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, the U.S.'s decision to label these gangs as terrorists brings into focus the delicate balance between combating violence and addressing the dire consequences that further sanctions could impose on the Haitian population. The international community watches closely as the implications of this move unfold.
