On Diwali, Donald Trump released a message saying he would stand with Hindus, becoming the first major American politician to speak out against atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He also pledged to protect Hindu America from the “anti-religion agenda of the radical left” and strengthen ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He wrote: “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. It would never have happened under my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around the world and in America. They have been a disaster, from Israel to Ukraine and our own southern border, but we will make America strong again and bring back peace through strength! “
He added: “We will also protect Hindu Americans from the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my government, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi. Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. In contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before – and we will make America great again. Also Happy Diwali to everyone. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the victory of good over evil!”
Also read: ‘Will protect Hindu Americans’, Trump condemns violence against minorities in Bangladesh, claims ‘Kamala, Joe ignored Hindus’
Comments on social media warmly praised Donald Trump’s recent statements about Bangladesh’s Hindu community, highlighting his rare willingness to draw attention to an issue that is often neglected on the world stage.

Many expressed gratitude for Trump’s recognition of the struggles faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, viewing his comments as an important gesture from a Western leader. By handling the situation, Trump is seen by his supporters as a supporter of minority rights worldwide, a cause they believe many political figures overlook.
Commentators also admired his courage in addressing a sensitive issue related to religious and ethnic persecution, noting that such statements carry diplomatic weight and are rarely made by leaders who prefer to avoid complex international conflicts. Some users linked Trump’s pleas to his strong ties with India and the Indian diaspora, interpreting his comments as a sign of continued support for Hindu communities and a strengthening of the US-India relationship. There is a shared hope that Trump’s statements will lead to greater awareness and global intervention, shedding light on the challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh and supporting a push for international action on their behalf.
What is the California Caste Bill and why was it vetoed?
When Donald Trump talked about the ‘radical left agenda’ he referred to the ‘California caste law’ which was called a measure to discriminate against Hindus. The California Caste Bill, or Senate Bill 403 (SB403), was introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab to ban discrimination based on caste by adding it to California’s civil rights protections. Although the bill aimed to explicitly address caste discrimination – a social stratification often associated with South Asian communities – it faced significant controversy and opposition, leading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s eventual veto.
Governor Newsom’s veto was based on his view that the bill was “unnecessary” because existing civil rights laws already prevent discrimination based on race, ancestry, religion, national origin, and other protected categories. Newsom asserted that these existing protections were sufficient to address any caste discrimination without singling out specific communities.
The proposal of SB403 sparked a heated debate within the Hindu-American community. Some groups, such as the Hindu American Foundation, opposed the bill, arguing that it would increase discrimination against Hindus and unfairly affect the community by associating them with caste discrimination. They argued that caste is not inherently part of Hinduism, and that many in the South Asian diaspora left caste-based practices behind when they moved to the United States. These opponents believed that the bill created unnecessary suspicion toward South Asian, especially Hindu, Americans, whom they believed was being stereotyped by its association with caste. This opposition mobilized a wide range of Hindu American groups and activists who saw the bill reinforcing negative stereotypes about Hinduism and the South Asian community.
Conversely, other Hindu groups and activists, including Hindus for Caste Equity, supported the bill. They argued that caste discrimination still persists within some South Asian communities and that explicit legal protections would help address issues of prejudice and exclusion that may still arise. Proponents of the bill, including Equality Labs, argued that caste discrimination must be recognized and explicitly addressed to protect those who continue to face caste oppression. Some activists even staged a hunger strike to encourage Newsom to sign the bill, underscoring their views on the importance of caste protections.
Despite the veto, the debate surrounding SB403 has underscored the growing political involvement of Hindu Americans in the United States. As the Hindu American population has increased, so has its participation in the political sphere, with organizations focusing on civic engagement, advocacy, and community representation. The opposition to SB403 became a unifying moment for some in the Hindu American community, who opposed what they saw as a potential mischaracterization of their religion and community. For others, the bill offered an opportunity to tackle caste discrimination more directly.
Ultimately, Newsom’s veto postponed the issue rather than resolved it. Both sides of the debate have committed to continuing their advocacy, reflecting broader questions about how immigrant communities navigate and navigate complex social issues in a new cultural context. The debate over caste discrimination is likely to continue, with some seeing the veto as a victory for Hindu representation and others as a setback in the fight against caste oppression.
Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, Bangladesh has witnessed a significant increase in violence against minority communities, especially Hindus. Incidents of vandalism, looting and arson have spread fear and instability across the affected regions, devastating many minority families.
Reports indicate that in the weeks following Hasina’s departure, more than 2,000 incidents of violence against Hindus were recorded in almost half of the country’s districts. Dozens of temples have been attacked, homes have been looted or burned, and several individuals have died amid this wave of aggression. The damage done to businesses and community structures has left families in financial ruin, compounding the challenges of securing basic safety and recovery.
The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has publicly condemned these attacks and committed to protecting vulnerable communities. However, many members of the minority population believe that efforts to address their security concerns have been insufficient, with continued reports of targeted violence and intimidation. Calls for stronger action and effective measures to protect minority rights are growing, with community leaders pushing for faster, more robust protections.
International observers have responded to the crisis with increasing concern. Figures from around the world have expressed their condemnation of the attacks and called on the Bangladesh government to ensure justice for the victims and protect the integrity of minority communities. There have also been calls for a comprehensive investigation into these human rights violations, urging accountability for those responsible for the violence.
As the unrest continues into November, minority communities remain tense. Local leaders have emphasized the importance of government action to restore a sense of security and order. The interim government faces increasing pressure to ensure security and uphold minority rights amid this tense period of political transition.
Trump on Modi
Amid the excitement of the US presidential campaign, Donald Trump appeared on the Flagrant Podcast, hosted by Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh, where he shared his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a segment dedicated to Modi, Trump noted: “Modi… India, he is a friend of mine, he is great. Before he took charge, the leaders changed every year – very unstable.” Comparing Modi’s appearance to that of “your father,” Trump noted, “He’s the nicest guy, but he’s a total killer when it comes to leadership.”
Trump reminisced about the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, describing it as “a beautiful gathering that filled the stadium.” He shared moments when Modi’s determination impressed him: “We had moments when someone threatened India, and Modi changed completely. I offered help and said I am very good in these situations, but Modi was firm. He said to me, ‘I will handle it; I will do whatever it takes. We’ve been dealing with this for centuries.’” Trump continued, referring to a specific neighboring country, saying: “You can probably guess the country, but Modi’s resolve was striking. He is incredibly sharp and a really good person.”
The rapport between Trump and Modi has been visible on numerous occasions, most notably the ‘Howdy Modi’ rally in Houston in September 2019. With over 50,000 Indian-Americans attending, it was a landmark event in US-India relations. Both leaders took the stage, exchanged praise and emphasized the deepening partnership between their nations. Modi called Trump a “true friend,” while Trump praised Modi’s leadership and the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the United States.
In a reciprocal gesture, Trump visited India in February 2020 for the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad. It took place in the world’s largest cricket stadium and was attended by more than 100,000 people. It was Trump’s largest rally outside the US. Trump took the opportunity to praise Modi’s leadership and India’s economic progress, reinforcing the shared democratic principles underpinning their bond. Recently, Trump referred to “fantastic Modi” in the context of the Quad Summit, even though the expected meeting did not take place.