Comedy legend Dave Chappelle publicly defended the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, directly addressing President Donald Trump during CNN's "Independence Eve" coverage on Friday. "Mr. Trump, please leave those Haitians in Springfield alone. We love them," Chappelle said. "We love the Haitians."
Trump's False Claims and Legal Action
Trump made the Haitian community a flashpoint during the 2024 election by falsely accusing them of eating pets and vowing to deport them. A recent Supreme Court ruling allows Trump to end their temporary protected status, opening the door for deporting migrants from Haiti and Syria who have been legally residing in the U.S. under that status.
Chappelle's Appearance on CNN
Chappelle, who lives a short drive from Springfield, appeared on CNN's New-Year's-Eve-style celebration hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. When Cohen asked why he is "proud to be an American" and how he views the country today, Chappelle responded with humor and seriousness. "Boy, that's a loaded question," he joked. "Now I see why Trump gets mad at y'all all the time. Why would you ask me that?"
Turning serious, Chappelle said, "I don't agree with everything that our government does." However, he expressed faith in his fellow citizens. "If I'm overseas or around the world, anytime I see an American over there, we just give each other the 'Fight Club' look, because we live in a madness that only we really understand what it's all about," he explained. "And I have faith in my countrymen, no matter how crazy all of this will make it feel, that the sun will rise and that I feel like I'm part of a very incredible community. So God bless my countrymen and let us make this country absolutely great."
Audience Reaction
Chappelle's comments drew cheers from the live audience, and Cooper and Cohen raised a toast in response.
