Indian American Xbox executive Asha Sharma has come under intense criticism on social media after being named to a U.S. Federal Reserve advisory task force focused on productivity and employment. The announcement has reignited criticism from some conservative politicians and online commentators, many of whom had previously attacked Sharma following Microsoft’s recent workforce reductions.
The backlash follows Microsoft’s decision earlier this year to eliminate approximately 3,200 positions, a move that drew widespread attention across the technology industry. Although Sharma has been associated with Microsoft’s gaming business, critics on social media have linked her to the layoffs while also raising allegations related to the company’s hiring of foreign workers through the H-1B visa program.
Among those criticizing the appointment was Rep. Riley M. Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. In a post on X, Moore questioned Sharma’s selection, writing:
“That can’t be serious. Asha Sharma just fired thousands of Americans [and] is replacing them with foreign workers on H-1B visas. Now she’s going to advise the Federal Reserve on productivity and jobs? She should be removed.”
The appointment also sparked criticism from several X users, with one post claiming:
“The new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh just appointed Asha Sharma to the ‘Productivity and Jobs’ advisory panel. So the guy who worked for BlackRock is going to be advised by [an] Indian anchor baby in regards to bringing more Indians into the country? Is this good for Americans?”
Another widely shared post stated:
“The Xbox CEO Asha Sharma just announced firing 3,200 Americans. She filed for 5,000 H-1B visa hires this year. Now she’s being put in charge of a Federal Reserve task force on employment and productivity. Americans are being replaced and the Federal Reserve is rewarding it.”
READ: ‘Indian Nepotism’ claims erupt after Microsoft names Asha Sharma as gaming chief (
The comments reflect the broader wave of anti-H-1B and anti-immigration rhetoric that has increasingly targeted Indian American executives in the technology sector. Several of the posts also contain inflammatory language directed at Sharma’s ethnicity and immigration background.
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve announced the leadership and objectives of five new task forces that will help inform the central bank’s approach to monetary policy. According to the Fed, the groups will study issues that are central to the U.S. economy and provide research and analysis to support future policy decisions.
Sharma was appointed to the Productivity and Jobs task force, which will examine how emerging general-purpose technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, could affect productivity, labor markets, economic growth, and employment. The Federal Reserve said the group’s findings are intended to help inform its monetary policy judgments as AI continues to reshape the economy.
Her appointment has nevertheless become a flashpoint on social media, with critics linking it to ongoing debates over U.S. tech layoffs, skilled immigration through the H-1B visa program, and the growing presence of Indian American leaders in major technology companies.