The BRICS TimesDemocrat leaders in the US have come out swinging against President Donald Trump after he reposted a social media comment calling India, China, and other nations “hellholes.” Several lawmakers accused him of stoking racism and ignoring the real struggles of American citizens while amplifying hate online.
Trump ignites a political storm by reposting a racist rant
US President Donald Trump found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after he reposted a clip and transcript linked to conservative radio host Michael Savage on social media. Savage made the remarks while discussing the ongoing birthright citizenship debate before the US Supreme Court. In the reposted content, Savage stated: “A baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring the entire family in from China or India or some other hellhole on the planet.”
Trump’s decision to amplify these comments triggered immediate and sharp condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and South Asian advocacy groups across the country.
Democrats call out Trump for “amplifying racist trash” online
The House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats did not hold back their anger. “Americans are struggling, and he’s busy amplifying racist trash on social media, treating the presidency like a reality TV gig. This is a serious moment. Our country deserves leadership that acts like it,” the committee said in a post on X.
Congressman Ro Khanna directly addressed Vice President JD Vance with a pointed question on social media. He wrote: “Any comment on the President insulting immigrants from ‘China or India or some other hellhole on the planet.’ Do you also think that India is a hellhole and Chinese or Indian immigrants denigrate America?”
Indian American lawmakers express personal hurt and national pride
Congressman Ami Bera, who is the son of Indian immigrants, made clear how personally the remarks stung. He said he takes tremendous pride in both his roots and the country that gave his family the chance to build a better life. “The comments shared by President Trump are offensive, ignorant, and beneath the dignity of the office he holds. They reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of who we are as a nation. America has always been strengthened by generations of immigrants who come here, work hard, and contribute to our country. They do not weaken America they strengthen it,” he said.
Bera went further by pointing out that America owes its greatness to people from every corner of the world. “We are a nation of immigrants, and we are stronger because of it,” he said. He also noted that Trump, born into wealth and privilege, could never understand the sacrifice immigrant families make. “He does not understand the grit, sacrifice, and determination it takes to build a life from the ground up. He does not understand public service, and he does not understand the values that make America the greatest nation in the world,” Bera added.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi warns of damage to US India ties
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi described Trump’s choice to amplify the racist comments as disgraceful. He stressed that the remarks go beyond insulting individuals. “His rhetoric doesn’t just insult millions of Indian Americans and one of our most important global partners it undermines the values that have made America a nation of opportunity and innovation. We should be strengthening that partnership and honouring our diversity, not stoking division for political gain,” Krishnamoorthi said.
Advocacy groups urge Trump to delete the post immediately
The Hindu American Foundation expressed deep alarm over the President sharing what it called a “hateful, racist screed” aimed at Indian and Chinese Americans. The group warned that the President’s endorsement of such language could lead to real world harm. “Endorsing such rants as the President of the United States will further stoke hatred and endanger our communities, at a time when xenophobia and racism are already at an all time high,” the foundation said. It urged Trump to take the post down without delay.
Birthright citizenship debate remains at the core of the controversy
The controversy links directly to the broader legal battle over birthright citizenship in the United States. In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies not to recognise birthright citizenship in certain cases. That order faced legal challenges from 22 states. A lower court blocked the order just three days later. Judges described it as “blatantly unconstitutional.” The matter now sits before the Supreme Court. Trump also became the first sitting US president to personally attend a hearing in the case this month. On the day of the hearing, he posted online: “We are the only country in the world stupid enough to allow ‘birthright’ citizenship!”
