Summary
The consideration of censure for Congressman Clay Higgins arises from his recent social media post that made derogatory comments about Haitian immigrants. The post, which included claims about Haitians “eating pets” and referred to Haiti as “the nastiest country in the western hemisphere,” sparked significant backlash from both political colleagues and advocacy groups, leading to calls for accountability.
Following the controversial tweet, which Higgins later deleted, members of the Congressional Black Caucus introduced a motion to censure him, arguing that his remarks were offensive and damaging to the Haitian community. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Higgins, describing him as a “dear friend” and emphasizing the importance of redemption, despite the widespread condemnation from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers. The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding race and immigration, as well as the impact of inflammatory rhetoric on local communities, particularly in Springfield, Ohio, where the Haitian population has faced threats and violence linked to the political discourse surrounding them.
Clay Higgins is controversial in Congress. Back in Louisiana, he's likely to win a 5th term.
Oct. 29 / The Advocate / Highlights the electoral context surrounding Clay Higgins, suggesting his controversial remarks may not hinder his re-election prospects. It effectively blends local political dynamics with broader implications. “ Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, listens to witnesses at the first public hearing of a bipartisan congressional task force investigating the assassination...
Stephanie Grace: I don't know if Clay Higgins regrets his ugly diatribe, but Mike Johson seems to
Sep. 28 / The Advocate / Focuses on the reactions from various political figures, highlighting the bipartisan criticism of Higgins' comments. This piece captures the range of responses and the urgency of the censure motion. “ House Speaker Mike Johnson and fellow Louisianan Rep. Clay Higgins. Photo by Alex Brandon / The AP Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, listens to witnesses at...
Republican Confronted on House Floor for 'Offensive' Post About Haitians
Sep. 25 / Newsweek / Provides a detailed account of the House floor confrontation regarding Higgins' comments, revealing the procedural aspects of the censure motion. It captures the tension and urgency of the moment. “ Louisiana Representative Clay Higgins was confronted during a hearing on the House floor Wednesday after he posted, and then deleted, a statement on social...
Notoriously racist GOP congressman deletes heinous rant about Haitians
Sep. 25 / Dailykos / The article offers a strong critique of Higgins’ history and behavior, linking it to a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric in the GOP. It adds depth by connecting this incident to Higgins’ broader political persona and past controversies. “ A Louisiana congressman’s post on X claiming that Haitia n people participate in “eating pets,” practice “vudu,” and come from the “nastiest country in the...
Sep. 25 / New York Post / The detailed account of the Congressional Black Caucus' push for censure emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of Higgins' remarks. It provides a clear perspective on the implications for political discourse and accountability. “ The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus informed lawmakers on Wednesday that he intends to file a resolution to censure Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.)...
Congressman accused of being KKK after racist tweet: Is censure coming?
Sep. 25 / Nj / A concise overview of the backlash against Higgins, including accusations of racism, effectively contextualizes the incident within broader political narratives. It captures the immediate reactions from both sides of the aisle. “ A Louisiana Republican faced heated backlash over a racist tweet attacking Haitian migrants, with some users accusing him of bigotry and being tied to the...
Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins walks back racist comments about Haitians after backlash
Sep. 26 / Npr / Explores Higgins' retraction and attempts to clarify his comments, providing a glimpse into his shifting narrative. Captures the tension between his initial defiance and later regret, adding depth to the story. “ Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins on Thursday retracted comments he made about Haitian immigrants in a now-deleted social media post. "You never want to...
Republican Clay Higgins deletes racist post attacking Haitian immigrants after pushback in Congress
Sep. 26 / Salon / Details the Congressional Black Caucus' response and the push for censure, emphasizing the significance of accountability in Congress. It effectively frames the broader implications for political discourse. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Rep. Clay Higgins , R-La., has removed a racist post against Haitian immigrants after widespread criticism, even...
Maddow Blog | Republican congressman’s racist rant generates immediate backlash
Sep. 26 / Yahoo! News / Analyzes Higgins' background and previous controversies, offering a comprehensive view of his political persona. It effectively contextualizes his recent remarks within his broader history. “ The consequences of Donald Trump’s and JD Vance’s ugly lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are quite real. Threats of violence in the...
Too corrupt for reality TV? There's always Congress as a Plan B
Sep. 27 / L.a. Times / Delivers a scathing critique of Higgins' character and political motivations, linking his actions to a broader trend in GOP politics. It effectively underscores the implications of his rhetoric for the party. “ Much like his spirit animal, Donald Trump, Rep. Clay Higgins first sought reality TV before taking his shtick to Washington. And had “American Justice With...
Speaker Johnson and top House Republicans rush to protect ‘racial arsonist’ Clay Higgins
Sep. 26 / Raw Story / Focuses on the immediate reaction from Republican leaders defending Higgins, revealing the internal party dynamics and contrasting views on racism. Offers insights into the GOP's handling of controversial figures. “ In the hours after far-right U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins posted a racist tweet attacking Haitian immigrants, top Republicans including Speaker of the House Mike...
US Republican sparks outrage for racist post attacking Haitian immigrants
Sep. 26 / Yahoo! News / Examines the fallout of Higgins' comments on the Haitian community, linking it to real-world consequences of political rhetoric. This piece highlights the tangible impact of inflammatory language. “ A Republican congressman provoked a hail of outrage after posting a racist attack on Haitian immigrants on social media, which he subsequently deleted amid...
Catherine Thorbecke: Social media age limits are too little too late
Sep. 22 / Twincities / Investigates the historical context of Higgins' remarks, connecting them to a pattern of racist rhetoric within the GOP. It provides a critical perspective on ongoing issues of race and immigration. “ Australia’s government wants to ban children up to age 16 from social media, and is spending millions of dollars to figure out how. I’m willing to wager it...
Mike Johnson Defends Clay Higgins After Haitian Attack, Calls For Redemption
Sep. 26 / Newsweek / Mike Johnson's defense of Clay Higgins highlights the ongoing tension within the GOP regarding race and rhetoric. The article effectively captures the complexities of party loyalty amid controversy, presenting key responses. “ House Speaker has defended a colleague who attacked Haitian immigrants online, adding that The House believes in redemption. Johnson stood by Congressman...