Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna criticized far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes for what he described as a pattern of attacks against prominent Indian-American Republicans, including entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Usha Vance.
Khanna said Fuentes’ rhetoric toward Ramaswamy, focused on his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, and crosses a dangerous line and reflects a broader strain of extremist politics. He described the remarks as “chilling,”
“Nick, your campaigning against Vivek Ramaswamy because he is Hindu & of Indian heritage to send a message to JD Vance in 28 is chilling. I reject your bigotry against Vivek & Usha Vance. Many Hindu Americans, including my family, love celebrating Christmas. Merry Christmas,” Khanna wrote on X.
The remarks followed a series of incidents in which Fuentes escalated his attacks on Ramaswamy, repeatedly hurling racial slurs and referring to him as an “anchor baby.” Fuentes has also claimed that Ramaswamy should be barred from becoming Ohio’s governor.
In his post, Khanna pushed back directly on Fuentes’ claim that a Ramaswamy governorship in Ohio would spell the end of Christmas celebrations at the Governor’s Mansion.
Khanna noted that the assertion was not only misleading but also deeply ignorant, pointing out that many Hindu Americans do, in fact, celebrate Christmas, underscoring the pluralistic reality of American public life.
Fuentes, an American political commentator known for his far-right views, framed his criticism as a matter of electoral stakes, saying he “cares about this election” while arguing that Ramaswamy’s faith disqualifies him because he is not a Christian. He said, “Could you imagine? No nativity, no Christmas carol, no consecration at the altar of Christ, no reverence for the newborn king! What a world! He has to be denied next year.”
READ: Why Nick Fuentes wants to block Vivek Ramaswamy in 2026? (December 25, 2025)
During a recent podcast appearance, Fuentes again invoked racially charged language while discussing the Ohio election, using the slur “anchor baby” and signalling that he would support any alternative candidate. “This anchor baby cannot become the governor of Ohio. I don’t care if it’s a Jewish woman who wins,” Fuentes stated, referring to the Democratic candidate Amy Acton.
The phrase “anchor baby” is widely recognized as a derogatory term aimed at children born in the United States to immigrant parents, despite the fact that birthright citizenship is protected under American law. Fuentes went on to argue that a Ramaswamy victory would signal the wrong precedent.
“What kind of message would that send? That sends a message that you can say and do anything to white people, they’ll tolerate any level of disrespect,” Fuentes further added.
READ: Vivek Ramaswamy targeted with ‘anchor baby’ attack (December 19, 2025)
Fuentes’ comments surfaced soon after Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked him for going after his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance. Vance bluntly told Fuentes to “eat s–t” following the attacks on Usha Vance, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants. Vivek Ramaswamy, who is of Indian origin, has repeatedly spoken out against racism and antisemitism, and during his speech at AmFest stressed that American identity should be rooted in shared values and ideals rather than ancestry or lineage.
Fuentes nonetheless escalated his rhetoric, portraying Ramaswamy and his family as outsiders who fail to “assimilate” and suggesting they should “go back to India.” He mocked their Indian heritage and religious background, declaring, “If you want to live here, give an ounce and a shred of respect to the people that built this country.”