Why Hindus in America must consider voting for Donald Trump

By Er. Purnima Nath
Nath launched the #iExit initiative to move traditional Democrat Indian Americans voters to vote for the right side and #HindusAndTrump to inspire the independents to vote for President Trump.

As the United States enters another critical election season, many Hindu Americans find themselves at a crossroads, questioning which candidate will truly protect their interests and respect their contributions. For many, Donald Trump represents a leader who aligns with the values and needs of the Hindu community in America—a community that feels increasingly sidelined in today’s political and social landscape.

The Growing Anti-Hindu Sentiment

The Hindu American community has watched with concern as anti-Hindu sentiments have intensified across the nation. Reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show a marked rise in anti-Hindu incidents, reflecting a climate of hostility that many Hindu Americans feel in their daily lives. This community, known for its commitment to education, self-sufficiency, and legal immigration, feels increasingly marginalized. Hindu Americans contribute around 6% of the U.S. GDP, despite making up only about 1% of the population. Yet, they are too often painted by the media with stereotypes that do not reflect reality.

For many Hindu Americans who grew up in India, these experiences feel familiar. “We grew up hearing narratives that prioritized Abrahamic figures over Hindu ones, stories that did not truly reflect our history,” Nath shares. In the U.S., she feels Hindu Americans face similar biases, with their contributions often overlooked or dismissed.

A Shift in Political Loyalties

In recent years, the Democratic Party has frequently embraced policies that many Hindus perceive as dismissive or even hostile toward their values. Measures like anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) resolutions, caste-based initiatives, and what some see as the normalization of Hinduphobia have prompted a growing number of Hindu Americans to reconsider their traditional support for the Democratic Party.

“I personally witnessed a shift in my own outlook when I saw my values and heritage continually disrespected and ignored by the Democrat party that claims to be for all,” Nath says. Increasingly, Hindu Americans are joining movements like #HindusAndTrump and #iExit, sharing stories of disenchantment with the Democratic Party and finding alignment with Republican ideals on issues like religious freedom, family values, and national security.

Trump as a Beacon for Change

In the 2016 election, Donald Trump made an unprecedented outreach to the Hindu community, recognizing Diwali at the White House and standing against global terrorism—a gesture that resonated with many Hindu Americans. While the Trump campaign could still expand its outreach to Hindus further, Nath feels the alignment of values is there. “Trump has the backbone to stand up to Islamic terrorism, to respect the sovereignty of Hindu Americans’ heritage, and to protect religious freedoms,” Nath asserts.

Though the Trump campaign’s involvement with Indian American voices has been limited, the presence of figures like Vivek Ramaswamy signals a new level of engagement with the community. “The fact that Trump has people like Ramaswamy speaking openly and boldly is an encouraging sign,” Nath remarks.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Nath acknowledges that neither political party is without flaws and that Trump’s campaign has occasionally partnered with figures or movements that she disagrees with. However, she believes that Trump’s core policies align more closely with Hindu values than any other candidate.

“We are living in a time when Hindu Americans can no longer sit back and assume their rights will be protected. This election is our chance to make our voices heard,” Nath states. For Hindu Americans, this election represents a crucial moment to reflect on which leaders and policies will safeguard their future and respect their contributions.

For those ready for change, Donald Trump presents a clear choice.