Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) sharply criticized Donald Trump over a social media post they described as racist and xenophobic toward Indian and Chinese immigrants. They warned that such rhetoric could further inflame anti-Asian sentiment across the United States.
In a joint statement, CAPAC Chair Grace Meng and several prominent lawmakers, including Ted Lieu, Judy Chu, Ami Bera, Suhas Subramanyam, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, condemned the remarks as dangerous and divisive.
The lawmakers said they were “deeply outraged” by Trump’s post, which reportedly referred to India and China in derogatory terms and characterized immigrants from those countries as “gangsters with laptops.” They argued that such language reinforces harmful stereotypes at a time when Asian American communities already face heightened discrimination.
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“At a time when hate incidents against South Asian communities are on the rise, this kind of rhetoric pours fuel on an already dangerous fire,” the statement said. The group also cited polling suggesting that a significant portion of Americans view Chinese Americans with suspicion, underscoring the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory political speech.
The CAPAC members framed the incident as part of a broader pattern, accusing Trump of repeatedly amplifying or legitimizing bigotry. They pointed to past controversies involving individuals associated with his administration who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Indians and Chinese people.
“Time and again, the President has demonstrated not only his disdain for our communities, but a fundamental rejection of America’s identity as a nation of immigrants,” the lawmakers said.
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The statement also emphasized the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship, stressing that Americans of all backgrounds deserve equal respect and recognition. “Those who become American by birthright are just as American as anyone else,” they added.
The condemnation comes amid ongoing concerns about rising anti-Asian hate crimes and political rhetoric in the United States. Advocacy groups have warned that public statements by high-profile leaders can significantly influence public attitudes, either helping to calm tensions or exacerbate them.
CAPAC members called on Trump to uphold the responsibilities of his office by representing all Americans, regardless of race or national origin. “We unequivocally condemn these posts,” the lawmakers said, urging the president to act with “dignity and respect” toward the diverse communities that make up the country.