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Newsmakers of the Week MAY 08, 2026 | The Indian Eye 40

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI ZOHRAN MAMDANI

‘Trump’s amplification of racist ‘Return Kohinoor diamond

rant is disgraceful’ to India’

ashington, DC: Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on
Thursday (local time) strongly criticised US President Trump over
Wthe post targeting India and immigrant communities, calling them ew York, NY: In a bold challenge to centuries of British colonial history,
“disgraceful and beneath the office he holds”. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday signalled that
In a post on X, Krishnamoorthi said, “Donald Trump’s decision to amplify Nany potential audience with King Charles III would be far from a mere
a racist rant attacking India and immigrants is disgraceful, and beneath the formality.
office he holds.” At a press conference, when pressed on what his message would be to the
He further warned of the broader implications of such rhetoric, stating, King, he skipped the pleasantries of statecraft to address one of the most con-
“His rhetoric doesn’t just insult millions of Indian Americans and one of our tentious artefacts in the world: the Kohinoor diamond.
most important global partners--it undermines the values that have made Mamdani was unequivocal, “If I were to speak to the king... I would prob-
America a nation of opportunity and innovation.” ably encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond.”
Emphasising the importance of US-India ties and diversity, he added, “We Notably, Mamdani’s mother, Mira Nair, was born in India and moved to
should be strengthening that partnership and honoring our diversity, not stok- the US for college. She later lived in Uganda with Mahmood Mamdani, the
ing division for political gain.” mayor’s father.
Meanwhile, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats on Thursday While mayoral interactions with the British Crown are typically defined by
(local time) sharply criticised President Donald Trump amid escalating tensions rigid protocol and “soft diplomacy,” Mamdani’s remarks have injected a dose
with Iran, calling for more responsible leadership during a critical moment. They of historical reckoning into the public discourse.
further criticised him for “amplifying racist trash” on his post that used derogato- Meanwhile, UK’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday
ry terms against immigrants, including immigrants of Indian and Chinese origin. paid tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks, visiting the 9/11 Memo-
In a post on X, the committee’s Democrats said, “The US is at war with rial in New York during their ongoing state visit to the United States.
Iran. Thirteen service members are dead, and the president has placed tens of In a post on X, the Royal Family said, “In New York today, the King and
thousands of Americans in harm’s way.” Queen have paid their respects at the 9/11 Memorial. During their time at the
They further criticised the President’s conduct, stating, “Americans are site, Their Majesties honoured the lives that were lost during the attacks, and
struggling, and he’s busy amplifying racist trash on social media, treating the recognised the courage of the men and women involved in the rescue efforts.
presidency like a reality TV gig. This is a serious moment. Our country de- This year marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks.”
serves leadership that acts like it.” The royal couple visited the memorial site for the first time, marking a sol-
Earlier on Wednesday (local time), US President Donald Trump amplified emn moment as the world approaches the 25th anniversary of the attacks that
a provocative critique of birthright citizenship by sharing a video of prominent claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 67 British citizens. The King and Queen
conservative author and radio host Michael Savage, who claimed the current laid a bouquet of white roses beside the reflecting pools, which now stand in
legal system allows immigrants to exploit American laws by arriving in the place of the former World Trade Centre towers.
“ninth month of their pregnancy”. Continued on next page... >>

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