Haiti hires Trump confidant to lobby administration

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Haiti’s government has hired Roger J. Stone Jr. under an $800,000 lobbying contract to influence U.S. policy, particularly concerning migration issues affecting the country. This move is controversial given Stone’s contentious reputation and comes as Haiti faces severe political instability and increased deportations following the end of protected status for Haitians in the U.S.

The government of Haiti has engaged Roger J. Stone Jr., a longtime confidant of former President Donald Trump, under a lobbying contract worth nearly $800,000, according to filings with the U.S. Department of Justice. Stone has been hired by Haiti’s Foreign Ministry to conduct “issue advocacy” related to U.S. government policy affecting Haiti, though specific details of the contract have not been disclosed.

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, declined to elaborate on the scope of Stone’s work but emphasized that migration is a top concern for the Haitian government. In a text message, he noted that important issues, including migration, are being addressed at the highest levels of the U.S. administration, particularly within the White House.

Stone confirmed the existence of the contract but declined to comment further on his activities or whether he has visited Haiti. Known for his political influence and his self-description as a “dirty trickster,” Stone is widely recognized for his close association with Trump but is not typically linked to work involving Latin America or the Caribbean.

Haiti has not conducted presidential or parliamentary elections for a decade, as violence, much of it fueled by gangs, continues to undermine security and stability. The country is currently in a critical phase of efforts to restore order and reduce gang control ahead of elections tentatively scheduled for December, although significant doubts remain about whether the vote will go forward.

The government of Haiti already spends $35,000 monthly on lobbying services from Continental Strategy, a firm run by Carlos Trujillo, a former U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States and a close ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Stone’s hiring may relate in part to the Trump administration’s recent decision to end protected status for Haitians living in the United States without legal documentation. The revocation of this status has led to increased detentions and deportations, posing challenges to a nation already grappling with poverty and instability.

Remittances sent home by Haitians abroad are an important source of financial support for the country, totaling approximately $4 billion in 2025, or roughly 17 percent of Haiti’s gross domestic product.

The rationale behind Haiti retaining Stone remains unclear, especially as his reputation includes facilitating presidential pardons for controversial figures, such as former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted on drug trafficking charges. Some observers suggest Stone’s value lies in his direct access to influential political figures in Washington.

Stone was convicted in 2019 of lying to Congress during the investigation into Trump’s Russia ties but had his prison sentence commuted by Trump.

The contract has drawn criticism from Haitian opposition leader André Michel, who described the payment as excessive for Haiti and a misuse of public funds, characterizing the deal as “scandalous” amid the country’s ongoing crises.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.