US President Trump sparks diplomatic backlash by sharing anti-immigrant remarks calling China and India 'hellholes'

US President Donald Trump has ignited controversy by reposting a podcast episode containing inflammatory remarks that described China and India as "hellhole" countries.

The remarks, originally made by conservative podcast host Michael Savage, were shared on Trump's social media platform, provoking diplomatic criticism and political backlash.

The post included a transcription of Savage's comments, which denounced the US constitutional right to citizenship for everyone born in the country and accused Indian immigrants in the tech industry of not hiring white native-born Americans.

Trump also shared a video of Savage delivering these remarks to his podcast audience.

The Indian foreign ministry condemned the remarks as "obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste," emphasizing that they do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The comments came ahead of a planned visit to India next month by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who aims to ease recent tensions between the two countries.

The controversy matters now as it risks undermining diplomatic efforts and exacerbating racial and ethnic tensions at a time when xenophobia and racism are already heightened.

The remarks also touch on sensitive immigration issues, a signature policy area for Trump.

US Congressman Ami Bera, whose parents are Indian immigrants, described Trump's post as "offensive, ignorant and beneath the dignity of the office he holds." The Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group, called the post a "hateful, racist screed," warning that endorsing such rhetoric could further stoke hatred and endanger communities.

Trump has previously targeted visas commonly used by Indian tech workers and maintained major tariffs on India, reflecting ongoing tensions in the bilateral relationship.

The reposted remarks also inaccurately alleged that Indian immigrants lack English proficiency.

The Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal responded directly to the post, reiterating that the comments were inappropriate and did not represent the longstanding partnership between India and the United States.

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