PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, issued a public plea Sunday to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to push for the declassification of American documents related to the 2021 killing of her husband. The emotional appeal, posted on the social media platform X, marks her most direct effort in nearly three years to revive international attention on Haiti’s spiraling political and humanitarian crises.
“Like you, he was the target of a coordinated defamation campaign for his ambitious and bold reforms. Like you, he was also the target of physical assassination attempts. Unlike you, these attempts succeeded,” wrote Moïse, referencing Trump’s own political battles and survival of an assassination attempt during his presidency. Her post framed Jovenel Moïse, who was shot dead in his home on July 7, 2021, as a fellow anti-corruption reformer whose death destabilized the Caribbean nation.
The former first lady’s call comes as Haiti grapples with near-total governance collapse, rampant gang violence, and a stalled transitional government. She accused current Haitian leaders of being complicit in her husband’s assassination, alleging that “those responsible for the heinous crime hold executive and judicial power, controlling Haiti through gangs.” Over 2,400 murders have been reported in Haiti this year alone, according to UN data, with armed groups now dominating 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Moïse’s request specifically targets FBI and State Department records, which she believes could expose foreign or domestic actors behind the plot. At least 11 suspects linked to the assassination are in U.S. custody, including Haitian-American mercenaries and Colombian ex-soldiers. “The Haitian people want justice, peace, and opportunity,” she wrote, adding that transparency from Washington could help restore constitutional order through free elections.
Political Parallels and Strategic Timing
By invoking Trump, Moïse taps into his history of advocating for document declassification—such as his push to release materials related to the 2016 Russia investigation—while drawing parallels between their spouses’ political struggles. Analysts suggest her appeal seeks to capitalize on Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and his potential 2024 presidential bid.
“She’s framing this as a shared fight against corruption, which resonates with Trump’s ‘drain the swamp’ rhetoric,” said Pierre Espérance, a Haitian human rights advocate. “But this also risks politicizing Haiti’s crisis further, especially if U.S. actors are implicated.”
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of Haiti’s turmoil, including support for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose legitimacy has been questioned since he was appointed days after Moïse’s assassination. Henry, who has repeatedly delayed elections, cited death threats and gang blockades for the postponements.
Skepticism and Unanswered Questions
While Moïse’s plea has reignited debate over her husband’s unsolved assassination, some Haitians remain skeptical of her motives. “She’s not innocent in this,” said Jean-Claude Paul, a Port-au-Prince resident, echoing local rumors about her presence in the presidential bedroom during the attack. A 2022 Haitian judge’s report noted inconsistencies in her testimony but did not charge her.
The U.S. government has yet to respond to her request. Declassification could strain diplomatic relations if documents reveal prior knowledge of threats to Jovenel Moïse or ties between suspects and U.S. agencies.
What’s Next for Haiti?
Martine Moïse’s appeal underscores Haiti’s desperate quest for stability. With gangs blockading fuel terminals and cholera resurgent, international aid groups warn of a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, U.S. and UN-backed proposals for a foreign security force remain stalled, leaving Haitians to wonder if transparency about the past could pave a path forward.
