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Newsmakers of the Week MAY 08, 2026 | The Indian Eye 41

KASH PATEL NEHA LOHIA

FBI Director likely to depart soon, Filmmaker’s ‘Hello Dad’ Recognised

reports Politico for Sustainable Filmmaking

ashington, DC: Amid mounting speculation over his position within ew York, NY: Award-winning filmmaker Neha Lohia’s short film Hello
the Trump administration, FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly could Dad was honoured at the Earth Day 2026 celebration in Times Square,
Wbe the next senior official to exit Trump’s cabinet in recent times, NNew York, marking a powerful intersection of cinema, sustainability,
according to a Politico report. and personal storytelling on one of the world’s most visible public stages.
As per Politico, questions have emerged within White House circles re- The Earth Day Times Square programme, produced for over 24 years
garding Patel’s future amid growing internal concerns. by Rev. Paul Sladkus, founder of Good News Corporation, brought together
leading voices across environmental advocacy, arts, science, and public leader-
Speculations intensified this week over which senior Trump admin- ship. This year’s event, presented in tribute to the Jane Goodall Foundation,
was held in partnership with NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, Ommm, and
istration official could be the next to depart following the removal of EarthDay.org, and featured over 50 performers and speakers, alongside virtu-
the US Navy Secretary, a move made with Donald Trump’s approval. al participation from UN Peace Messengers including Stevie Wonder, Oprah
Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and UNICEF’s Shakira.
Lohia took the stage alongside the film’s lead cast, Emmy-nominated ac-
According to Politico, a senior White House official has suggested that tor Tirlok Malik and Swiss-based actress Ankita Makwana, as Hello Dad was
Patel may be next in line for a potential ouster. recognised for its solar-powered production approach and commitment to en-
“It’s only a matter of time,” the official, who was granted anonymity to vironmentally conscious filmmaking.
discuss sensitive matters, said regarding the FBI director, as quoted by Politico. At its core, Hello Dad is an intimate exploration of memory, loss, and human
The official cited multiple concerns behind the speculation, including an connection. The film was created with a minimal production footprint, using so-
increase in negative media coverage involving Patel, which they described as lar-powered equipment to charge production gear and adopting a consciously
“not a good look for a Cabinet secretary”, while also adding that Trump is in- restrained approach to resource use. The project reflects a growing shift with-
creasingly frustrated by the distraction surrounding the issue. in global cinema toward more sustainable and intentional modes of creation.
The report comes amid ongoing political chatter over possible shake-ups Speaking at the event, Lohia shared the philosophy behind her work:
in key administrative positions, although there has been no official confirma- “I come from India, where we call Mother Earth Dharti Maa. Dharti
tion from the White House regarding Patel’s status. means she who holds, and it is our conscious responsibility to be as weightless
This comes days after the US Department of War announced the depar- as possible. As a filmmaker, I try to bring the same care to how a film is made
ture of US Secretary of the Navy John C Phelan with immediate effect, with as I do to the story itself.”
Undersecretary Hung Cao set to take over as Acting Secretary of the Navy. She added: “This film holds a lot of personal memory and grief. I invite
The development was confirmed by Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean everyone to take a moment today to reach out to someone they love. Call your
Parnell, who thanked Phelan for his service and said the administration wishes parents, your children, someone close to you, and tell them you love them.
him well in his future endeavours. Thank them for sharing this time on Earth with you. This moment matters,
“Secretary of the Navy John C Phelan is departing the administration, ef- because you never know when it may be the last hello, and what remains are
fective immediately. On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary the memories we carry forward that can get heavy if left unexpressed.”
of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department
and the United States Navy,” Parnell wrote in a post on X. To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
The Trump administration has also seen some major departures in the spring, our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
and Patel might be the next high-ranking official to depart as summer rolls in.

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