Trump’s social media post expressed concern for the safety of Christians if Harris were to become President, writing, “Christians around the World will not be safe if Kamala Harris is President of the United States.” He pledged that, if elected, he would work to protect persecuted Christians and restore peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “When I am President, I will protect persecuted Christians, I will work to stop the violence and ethnic cleansing, and we will restore PEACE between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Trump stated.
Background on the Crisis in Nagorno-KarabakhNagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, has been the focus of a decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, the region has a predominantly ethnic Armenian and Christian population. This area holds significant cultural and religious importance to Armenians.
The conflict over the region dates back to the early 20th century but intensified after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Following the First Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-1994), ethnic Armenians controlled most of the territory despite it being recognized as Azerbaijani land. However, tensions remained unresolved, and in 2020, Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey, launched a military offensive to reclaim large parts of the region. The war resulted in a ceasefire brokered by Russia, but thousands of Armenians were displaced during the conflict.
The humanitarian crisis worsened in 2022 when Azerbaijan imposed a blockade on the Lachin Corridor, the only route connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. This blockade restricted the flow of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, to the Armenian population in the region. International observers condemned Azerbaijan’s actions as an attempt to forcibly displace the Armenians from their homeland. As of recent estimates, over 100,000 Armenians have fled Artsakh.
U.S. Role in the Conflict and Criticism of HarrisThe United States has played a complex role in the conflict, with efforts focused on diplomatic mediation and humanitarian aid. For years, the U.S. has been part of the Minsk Group, alongside Russia and France, tasked with mediating peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, these efforts have not resulted in a lasting resolution. After the 2020 war, the U.S. supported the fragile ceasefire but failed to prevent further escalation.During and after the conflict, the U.S. provided humanitarian assistance, particularly through USAID, which supported displaced Armenians. Despite calls for action, critics argue that the Biden-Harris administration did not do enough to alleviate the situation. Trump’s recent comments echo broader dissatisfaction among certain groups regarding U.S. involvement. Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), remarked, “Kamala Harris did NOTHING as 120,000 Armenian Christians were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh.”The ANCA has been vocal in its criticism of both the Trump and Biden administrations, rating them poorly for their handling of Azerbaijan’s aggression. “Earlier this year, the ANCA gave an ‘F’ rating to both the Trump and Biden Administrations for aiding and abetting Azerbaijan and Turkey’s aggression against Armenia and Artsakh,” noted Hamparian.Calls for Stronger ActionMany within the Armenian-American community have been calling for stronger U.S. action to address the crisis in Artsakh. Advocacy groups like ANCA are pushing for the enforcement of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan in response to its aggression. They also seek sanctions against Azerbaijani officials involved in human rights abuses and war crimes.
Hamparian also criticized Trump, pointing out that his administration increased military aid to Azerbaijan during his presidency. He added, “President Trump… needs to do more than issue a campaign statement; he needs to deliver actual results before Election Day. He can start by publicly affirming Artsakh’s right to return.”
Kamala Harris’s Response to Armenian ConcernsVice President Kamala Harris has responded to concerns from the Armenian-American community, especially in light of the upcoming U.S. elections. On September 23, 2024, Harris stated her support for the rights of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to return safely to their homes. She also underscored the importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide, stating, “we must never forget the Armenian Genocide,” while emphasizing the need for a lasting peace that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a video address to Armenian-American voters, Hamparian pointed out that “It’s clear – Armenian votes matter.” Both Trump and Harris are aiming to secure the Armenian-American vote, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Hamparian added, “This is an important milestone for our community… an important milestone in our emergence as an electoral force on the American national stage.”
The Path Forward: Armenian-American Advocacy ContinuesThe conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to shape the political discourse ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. While both Republican and Democratic candidates have expressed their positions on the crisis, Armenian-American voters are pressing for more concrete action. “To earn our votes, we need to see deliverables, now – actions that materially hold Aliyev accountable and deter renewed Azerbaijani aggression,” Hamparian urged.
The future of Nagorno-Karabakh remains uncertain, and as the humanitarian crisis deepens, international pressure continues to mount on Azerbaijan. Armenian advocates hope that increased diplomatic efforts and sanctions will lead to a resolution that ensures the safety and rights of Armenians in the region.