MEA Sidesteps Trump’s ‘Hellhole’ Remark on India Over Birthright Citizenship

The Ministry of External Affairs has declined to comment on US President Donald Trump sharing a video that referred to India and China as ‘hellholes.’ MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated they had seen reports but offered no further remarks. The video, by conservative author Michael Savage, criticizes birthright citizenship and immigration laws. Savage also accused the ACLU of using legal advocacy to change US demographics.

Key Points: MEA on Trump ‘Hellhole’ Post: ‘Seen Reports’

  • MEA refuses to comment on Trump’s shared video
  • Trump amplifies Michael Savage’s critique of birthright citizenship
  • Savage calls India, China ‘hellhole’ countries
  • ACLU accused of influencing immigration policy
2 min read

"Seen some reports. That's where I'll leave it": MEA on Trump reposting critique India, China 'hellhole' over birthright citizenship

India’s MEA reacts cautiously after Trump shares a video calling India a ‘hellhole’ over birthright citizenship. Read the full response.

"We've seen some reports. That's where I'll leave it. - MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, April 23

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reacted to reports of US President Donald Trump resharing a video that referred to India and China in derogatory terms, saying it had "seen some reports" but declined further comment.

Addressing a weekly media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We've seen some reports. That's where I'll leave it."

His remarks come after Trump amplified a critique of birthright citizenship in the US by sharing a video featuring right-wing conservative author and radio host Michael Savage on Truth Social.

In the clip, Savage criticised existing immigration laws, alleging that they allow individuals to exploit legal provisions by travelling to the US late in pregnancy to secure citizenship for their children.

In the video, Savage claimed that such practices create a loophole whereby "a baby here becomes an instant citizen", followed by family migration from countries including "China or India or some other hellhole on the planet".

The footage, originally aired on the Newsmax series The Savage Nation, was highlighted by the "Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social" account, which serves as a platform dedicated to reposting the President's social media activity.

In the clip, Savage expressed deep frustration with the judicial process, stating, "Today's brief, abbreviated discussion will be about the arguments that I just listened to before the Supreme Court about birthright citizenship. I was somewhat incensed by listening to the arguments because all I heard was legalese being bandied back and forth."

He criticised the role of legal advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), accusing them of influencing immigration policy.

"The person bringing the arguments in favour of flooding America with illegal aliens to change the demographics forever was a Chinese American who looks to me like the classic ACLU attorney. Very smart, very evil, and very devious," Savage remarked.

"The ACLU is the head of the snake. They have been forever, and there they were again trying to turn America into a cesspool," he added.

The commentator further argued that the issue extends beyond legal interpretation and should instead be addressed through public opinion, suggesting that birthright citizenship be subjected to a national vote.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Matthew K
As an American who lives in India, I'm honestly embarrassed by Trump and his circle's rhetoric. This "hellhole" nonsense is just racist scapegoating—the same old tactic of blaming immigrants for all problems. India has sent some of the best doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs to the US. If America wants to keep its edge, it should welcome talent, not insult it. The MEA's restraint here is good diplomacy.
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Ravi K
Honestly, why get worked up over one man's opinion? Michael Savage has been saying outrageous things for decades—he's basically irrelevant outside his echo chamber. And Trump sharing it? That's just Tuesday for him. India is moving forward, and we shouldn't let random insults distract us. The MEA is right: "seen some reports" and leave it there. No point giving these people more attention.
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Sarah B
I'm from Canada and I find this deeply concerning. Calling India a "hellhole" is not just offensive—it's factually wrong. India has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a rich cultural heritage. This kind of language from the US President set a dangerous precedent for international discourse. The MEA's measured response is commendable, but I hope they'll push back more firmly behind the scenes.
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Vivek B
It's ironic that the US has so much to say about birthright citizenship when their own immigration system is a mess. The 14th Amendment is clear—anyone born on US soil is a citizen. These people are just fearmongering about a non-issue to distract from real problems like healthcare and inflation. India should just focus on its own growth and not dignify such low-grade commentary. Acha kiya MEA ne ignore karke.

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