Donald Trump’s incoming cupboard is being hailed as a serious win for India, and this is why: his 2.0 cupboard options a number of Indian-origin lawmakers, a few of whom have sparked debate not only for their political credentials but additionally for his or her outspoken stances on their non secular beliefs.
Among the newest additions is Kash Patel, a 44-year-old Trump loyalist with roots in Gujarat. Alongside Patel, figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy have gained consideration for his or her vocal embrace of their Hindu roots.
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Trump picks Tulsi Gabbard as director of nationwide intelligence
Although Tulsi Gabbard has no direct ties to India, her deep connection to Hinduism, significantly the teachings of Hare Krishna philosophy, has been a defining a part of her id. She has all the time been open about her religion, usually seen chanting bhajans and prayers. She carried her Bhagavad Gita along with her throughout her deployment in Iraq and swore her oath of workplace in 2016 along with her hand on the sacred textual content.
As a congresswoman, Gabbard made it a precedence to advocate for stronger U.S.-India relations, vowing to guide efforts in supporting Prime Minister Modi’s name to the U.N. and to be a powerful voice for India’s pursuits in Congress.
Trump faucets Vivek Ramaswamy for DOGE
Alongside SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Trump chosen loyalist and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to guide his new Department of Government Efficiency. When requested about his non secular beliefs, Ramaswamy proudly declared, “I’m Hindu, and I’m happy with that. I stand for that with out apology. I consider my religion will strengthen my dedication to defending non secular liberty.” While Ramaswamy identifies along with his Hindu cultural roots, he usually emphasises broader, common values quite than particular non secular doctrines, making it clear that his religion wouldn’t have an effect on his adherence to the legislation if appointed to any key function.
Trump nominates Kash Patel as FBI director
On November 1, Donald Trump stirred controversy along with his nomination of Kash Patel to interchange Christopher Wray as FBI director, pending Senate approval. Known for his sturdy help of Trump and the “drain the swamp” agenda, Patel has additionally been vocal about his backing of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, arguing that its historic significance is neglected by Western narratives.
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He criticised U.S. media for specializing in current occasions, neglecting the temple’s centuries-old roots. “Whether or not you’re Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of many quintessential gods within the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, they usually have been attempting to get it again for 500 years. Washington institutions conveniently forgot this a part of historical past,” he remarked in February.
In addition to them, Trump has additionally nominated Indian-origin Dr. Jay Bhattacharya because the director of the National Institutes of Health. While Bhattacharya has ties to Kolkata, he has not made a transparent assertion about his religion. Trump’s White House may also see Usha Chilukri Vance, an Indian-American Hindu, because the second woman, married to the incoming Vice President JD Vance.