Donald Trump taps three vocal Hindu lawmakers for key cabinet roles.
“With Indian-origin figures like Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy, Donald Trump’s incoming cabinet is seen as a major win for India.”
Donald Trump’s incoming cabinet is being hailed as a major win for India, and here’s why: his 2.0 cabinet features several Indian-origin lawmakers, some of whom have sparked debate not just for their political credentials but also for their outspoken stances on their religious beliefs.
Among the latest additions is Kash Patel, a 44-year-old Trump loyalist with roots in Gujarat. Alongside Patel, figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy have gained attention for their vocal embrace of their Hindu roots.
Although Tulsi Gabbard has no direct ties to India, her deep connection to Hinduism, particularly the teachings of Hare Krishna philosophy, has been a defining part of her identity. She has always been open about her faith, often seen chanting bhajans and prayers. She carried her Bhagavad Gita with her during her deployment in Iraq and swore her oath of office in 2016 with her hand on the sacred text.
As a congresswoman, Gabbard made it a priority to advocate for stronger U.S.-India relations, vowing to lead efforts in supporting Prime Minister Modi’s call to the U.N. and to be a strong voice for India’s interests in Congress.
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Alongside SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Trump selected loyalist and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead his new Department of Government Efficiency. When asked about his religious beliefs, Ramaswamy proudly declared, “I’m Hindu, and I’m proud of that. I stand for that without apology. I believe my faith will strengthen my commitment to defending religious liberty.” While Ramaswamy identifies with his Hindu cultural roots, he often emphasises broader, universal values rather than specific religious doctrines, making it clear that his faith would not affect his adherence to the law if appointed to any key role.
On November 1, Donald Trump stirred controversy with his nomination of Kash Patel to replace Christopher Wray as FBI director, pending Senate approval. Known for his strong support of Trump and the “drain the swamp” agenda, Patel has also been vocal about his backing of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, arguing that its historical significance is overlooked by Western narratives.
He criticised U.S. media for focusing on recent events, neglecting the temple’s centuries-old roots. “Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years. Washington establishments conveniently forgot this part of history,” he remarked in February.
In addition to them, Trump has also nominated Indian-origin Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the director of the National Institutes of Health. While Bhattacharya has ties to Kolkata, he has not made a clear statement about his faith. Trump’s White House will also see Usha Chilukri Vance, an Indian-American Hindu, as the second lady, married to the incoming Vice President JD Vance.
Why Donald Trump’s cabinet has Hindu law makers? What’ for?
While Trump vigorously campaigned against diversity and inclusion efforts in business and government, his Cabinet selections and other high-profile staffing choices include some barrier-breaking nominations. The Cabinet, if confirmed, is set to be one-third women and include some historic firsts.
Notable that President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is set to be less diverse than President Joe Biden’s administration, but several people of color and women appear likely to serve in top roles.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick to lead the State Department, would be the first Latino secretary of state. Scott Bessent, an American hedge fund manager and Trump’s pick to lead the Treasury Department, would be the first openly gay man in that post.
Susie Wiles, Trump’s choice for White House chief of staff, will also be the first woman to serve in the position.
Scott Turner, a former NFL player who led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in the first Trump term, will serve as secretary of housing and urban development. Turner, who is Black, will be the fourth confirmed HUD secretary of color since 2014. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who is also Black, served in that post under Trump.
Trump’s first administration also included some historic firsts, including Veteran spy Gina Haspel serving as the first female director of the CIA, but, overall, it still lagged behind his predecessors on diversity.
The incoming administration is set to include some people of color in other high-profile roles.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotechnology executive and 2024 GOP presidential candidate, will co-lead an outside advisory committee on government efficiency with billionaire Elon Musk. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, is Trump’s pick to serve as director of national intelligence, the chief coordinator of the nation’s intelligence departments. Gabbard is of Samoan descent and Ramaswamy is Indian American.
Mehmet Oz, a former TV doctor who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Pennsylvania, has been tapped by Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. And Janette Nesheiwat, a physician and Fox News personality, is Trump’s pick to serve as surgeon general. Nesheiwat is the daughter of Christian Jordanian immigrants; Oz is Turkish American and would be the first Muslim to serve in the role.
Trump’s Cabinet also includes a wide breadth of ideological diversity with some nominees holding views broadly considered eccentric in Washington. Others have clashing opinions on priorities for the incoming administration like trade and foreign policy.