As the new president, Ariel Henry pledged to improve the country's dire security and to hold long-delayed elections.

Henry, a neurosurgeon, served as the Minister of Interior and Territorial Communities from 22 January 2015 to 11 September 2015, when he was appointed as the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor by Prime Minister Evans Paul. He remained in the position till 28 March 2016.

On July 5, he was selected as the next Prime Minister of Haiti by President Jovenel Moïse, but two days later Moïse was assassinated, stalling the transfer of power.

At the time, incumbent Prime Minister Claude Joseph took control of the government, with the backing of the military and was acknowledged by the United States as the rightful prime minister.

On Monday, Joseph announced that he will stand down as prime minister in favor of Henry.