Indian American lawmakers and community leaders have strongly condemned remarks by Donald Trump targeting Indian immigrants and India, calling them offensive, divisive, and harmful to bilateral ties. Congressman Ami Bera described the comments as “offensive, ignorant, and beneath the dignity of the office,” while Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said Trump’s amplification of a “racist rant” undermines both Indian Americans and U.S.-India relations. Ajay Bhutoria, a former presidential advisor, demanded an immediate withdrawal of the remarks, warning that such rhetoric distorts reality and damages strategic ties.
Leaders highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to the U.S. economy and society, noting their role in technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Bhutoria pointed out that while the community makes up only 1.5% of the population, it contributes nearly 6% of U.S. income taxes and has produced CEOs of major companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Adobe. He argued that Indian Americans are “infinitely better for the future of this country than gangsters with guns,” stressing their role in innovation and job creation.
The backlash underscores growing concern among Indian Americans over rhetoric seen as targeting immigrants and undermining a key bilateral partnership. The community, among the most affluent and highly educated in the U.S., plays a major role in innovation and public service. With U.S.-India ties deepening through cooperation in defence, technology, and trade-bilateral trade now exceeding $200 billion-leaders warned that divisive rhetoric risks damaging both economic and geopolitical interests.