Former President Donald Trump extended Diwali greetings to Hindus worldwide on Thursday, using the occasion to raise concerns about violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Trump sharply criticized the Biden administration for what he described as neglect of global Hindu communities and pledged to restore “peace through strength” if elected.
In his statement, Trump highlighted recent unrest in Bangladesh, where student protests ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Trump claimed that this new administration has struggled to contain attacks against Hindus, Christians, and other minority communities, leaving the country in “a total state of chaos.”
“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh,” Trump said. “This would have never happened on my watch. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have ignored Hindus everywhere, including here in the U.S. Their leadership has been a disaster, from Israel to Ukraine to our own southern border.”
Trump, who celebrated Diwali in the White House during each year of his presidency, also sent a traditional holiday greeting, expressing hope that “the Festival of Lights leads to the victory of good over evil.”
This message comes just days ahead of the November 5 U.S. presidential election, as Trump seeks to rally Hindu American voters and reaffirm his commitment to international religious freedoms. His critique of the Biden administration underscored a campaign focus on foreign policy and religious protections that resonates with portions of the Indian American community.