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Indian-origin US lawmakers condemn Trump's 'hellhole' remark as offensive
US President Donald Trump reposted Michael Savage's remarks describing India and China as 'hellholes,' triggering a backlash from Indian-origin lawmakers in the US. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ami Bera condemned the remarks as offensive and ignorant, while India's MEA criticized them and a US Embassy clarification followed.
Why It Matters
The incident touches on immigration, US-India relations, and the stance of political leaders toward immigrant communities.
Timeline
5 Events
US Embassy in New Delhi issues clarification on Trump's remarks
April 24, 2026
A US Embassy spokesperson issued a clarification saying the President has said, 'India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top.'
India's foreign ministry condemns the remarks
April 24, 2026
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the remarks obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste, stating they do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship.
Representative Ami Bera denounces remarks as offensive and ignorant
April 24, 2026
Representative Ami Bera, speaking as the son of Indian immigrants, said the remarks were offensive and ignorant. He shared his family’s story and argued that immigrants strengthen America, not weaken it, and criticized the president's lack of understanding of the immigrant experience.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi decries remarks as racist
April 24, 2026
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi called the content a racist rant, describing Trump's decision to amplify it as disgraceful and harmful to US partnerships, including with India. He emphasized that the rhetoric undermines values of opportunity and diversity.
Trump reposts Michael Savage's 'hellholes' remarks about India and China, triggering backlash
April 24, 2026
US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after reposting content from conservative radio host Michael Savage that described India and China as 'hellholes' and accused them of exploiting birthright citizenship. The article does not specify the exact date of the repost, but reports the ensuing backlash on April 24, 2026.