India Rebukes Trump’s ‘Hellhole’ Comments on Birthright Citizenship
India has strongly rebuked US President Donald Trump for sharing remarks made by conservative commentator Michael Savage, who referred to India and China as “hellholes.” The comments were posted on Trump’s Truth Social account on Thursday without any comment from the president. In the talk show, Savage made controversial statements about birthright citizenship, including a claim that babies born in the US automatically acquire citizenship, which, according to him, encourages immigration from countries like India and China.
The remarks were seen as inappropriate and uninformed by India, which described them as being in poor taste. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed its displeasure through a statement by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who clarified that such comments do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.
This incident comes amid ongoing discussions in the US over the future of birthright citizenship, with Trump pushing for restrictions. His position on the issue has been controversial, and a challenge to his directive is currently pending before the US Supreme Court.
Indian officials have been quick to condemn Savage’s comments, with the Congress party labeling them as anti-India and highly insulting. They have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue with the US government. This diplomatic disagreement follows a period of strained relations between India and the US, especially after the imposition of high tariffs during Trump’s first term. However, both countries are now working on a trade deal aimed at boosting bilateral trade and avoiding tariff hikes.
