Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been outspoken about “American values” and Indian identity, has drawn criticism for his posts on Halloween.The lighthearted post, showing Ramaswamy and his children dressed for trick-or-treating, quickly drew vitriolic responses from some conservative users who mocked their Indian heritage and even called for the family’s deportation.One of the users took the X and said, “Politely Go back Your making my white country unrecognizable There are also MILLIONS of Indians suffering back at your home That need you BADLY to fix their land and save them.”Ramaswamy, who has been outspoken about “American values” and cultural decline, has previously drawn both praise and criticism for his comments on parenting, assimilation, and meritocracy. This episode now places him at the center of a broader discussion on whether the GOP can balance its populist roots with its push for inclusivity.The online attacks sparked backlash from within the Republican ranks. Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza condemned the remarks as “sh*tshow and unreal” warning that such rhetoric would prompt the desertion of “ blacks, Latinos and other minorities from the GOP.”In a post on X, he said, “Look at the abuse Vivek is getting for posting an innocuous photo with his boys. This is the sh*tshow that Heritage and Tucker have brought upon us. If this continues, I would not be surprised to see mass desertions of blacks, Latinos and other minorities from the GOP. Unreal.Far-right activist Laura Loomer came to Ramaswamy’s defense, noting that Vice President JD Vance’s family shares similar heritage ties through his wife, Usha Vance, who is also of Indian origin. “You know who else has Brown Indian American kids? @JDVance These people want to have a struggle session with JD to make him just as hateful as they are. They will never vote for him in 2028 because he has a brown wife. Those aren’t my words. It’s their words. Hopefully he speaks out soon,” Loomer said in a post on X. British-born, Indian-American broadcaster Mehdi Hasan also came out in the defence of Ramaswamy and attacked on president Donald Trump and indirectly JD Vance, calling them “racist.”
