In recent years, the Indian American community has emerged as an influential voting bloc in U.S. elections. Historically leaning Democratic, some Indian Americans shifted their support to Donald Trump, driven by key issues that resonate with their social, economic, and geopolitical interests.
1. Perceived Economic and Business-Friendly Policies
For many Indian Americans, especially those in professional sectors, Trump’s economic policies are attractive. As a proponent of low taxes and deregulation, Trump aimed to create a business-friendly environment, which aligns with the values of Indian American entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and small-business owners. His tax cuts, along with policies aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape, are seen by many as beneficial for business growth and personal financial security. The perception that Trump’s economic policies would foster wealth creation and support entrepreneurship struck a chord within this upwardly mobile community.
2. Conservative Social Values
Indian American communities, which often emphasize traditional family structures, educational achievement, and religious values, found common ground with Trump’s conservative social stance. For many Indian Americans who value education, Trump’s focus on school choice and reforms in the education system represented a promising shift. Additionally, conservative social values around family and religious freedom resonate with the cultural values within Indian households. Trump’s public support for religious expression and his administration’s perceived opposition to “woke” culture further strengthened the bond for those in the community who favor these traditional ideals.
3. Concerns about Immigration and Legal Backlogs
Although Trump’s immigration policies received criticism for their impact on immigrants, some Indian Americans found aspects of his stance beneficial, especially concerning the legal immigration system. As skilled professionals, Indian Americans often face significant delays in obtaining permanent residency due to backlogs in the Green Card system. While Trump’s approach to H-1B visas was restrictive, some Indian Americans hoped that his focus on restructuring immigration could eventually benefit skilled immigrants by addressing Green Card backlogs and employment-based visa caps. For those focused on reforming legal immigration pathways, Trump’s policies appeared to offer a foundation for future improvements.
4. National Security and Stance on China
Trump’s firm stance on China has resonated with Indian Americans who view China as a threat to both U.S. and Indian interests. His administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at countering Chinese influence, aligns closely with India’s regional security goals. For Indian Americans who see China as a geopolitical rival to India, Trump’s hardline position offers a sense of solidarity. The idea of the U.S. as a partner to India in countering Chinese expansion appealed to this constituency, highlighting Trump’s potential as a strong ally to India and a protector of shared democratic values in the region.
5. Pro-Israel and Anti-Radicalization Stance
Indian Americans who prioritize global security and anti-terrorism efforts found Trump’s strong support for Israel and his opposition to certain radical groups appealing. With India’s own security concerns regarding terrorism, Trump’s Middle Eastern policies created a sense of alignment. His administration’s strong anti-radicalization stance was seen as a commitment to security that aligns with Indian American concerns about extremism. Additionally, Trump’s open support for Israel resonated with Indian Americans who view Israel’s security concerns as parallel to those of India, furthering a sense of ideological alignment.
6. Perceived Alignment with Indian Interests
Trump’s relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his pro-India stance on several key issues, including Kashmir and counter-terrorism, created a perception of Trump as a friend to India. Indian Americans closely follow U.S.-India relations, and Trump’s attendance at high-profile events like “Howdy Modi” left a strong impression. The visual symbolism of Trump and Modi appearing together portrayed Trump as supportive of Indian interests. For Indian Americans with ties to India, Trump’s policies around defense cooperation and economic partnerships between the two nations enhanced his appeal, suggesting his presidency could benefit both the U.S. and India.
7. Dissatisfaction with Democratic Party Policies
A growing segment of Indian Americans has voiced concerns about the Democratic Party’s progressive policies and what they see as an increasing alignment with “woke” ideology. For some, policies around affirmative action and racial equity are viewed as potentially discriminatory toward high-achieving minority groups, including Asian Americans. Trump’s opposition to this progressive approach, combined with his more conservative stance on affirmative action, resonated with Indian Americans who feel that Democrats’ policies could undermine merit-based success. This ideological gap encouraged some within the community to pivot toward the GOP.
8. Focus on Law and Order
Trump’s focus on “law and order” resonated with Indian Americans in urban and suburban areas where concerns about public safety and crime are prevalent. Rising crime rates in cities across the U.S. have heightened anxieties, and some Indian Americans see Trump’s pro-police stance as essential for ensuring safe communities. Many value the stability and security of their neighborhoods, and Trump’s rhetoric around crime reduction, coupled with his opposition to progressive policies on policing, appealed to those prioritizing safety and security in their lives.
9. Growing Sense of Political Influence and Conservative Identity
The recent rise of influential Indian American conservatives within the GOP—figures like Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy—has broadened political representation and normalized Republican support within the community. Trump’s presidency marked a period of heightened visibility for Indian American Republicans, empowering Indian Americans to feel politically represented beyond traditional Democratic affiliations. This growing diversity in representation allows Indian Americans to explore a conservative identity without feeling bound to one political party, promoting a sense of political agency that aligns with Trump’s endorsement of conservative values.
These factors highlight why certain Indian Americans felt an affinity toward Trump and his policies, making him an appealing choice for a portion of this diverse and influential community. While Trump’s policies were divisive overall, his appeal within the Indian American demographic illustrates the complex intersection of economic, cultural, and geopolitical priorities that shape voter behavior in this key community.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a Senior Journalist who has lived in Washington DC since 2007. He currently is a contributor to Dainik Bhaskar, the world's third largest newspaper by readership. His opinion pieces feature on News 9 and The Quint. He has been invited as guest on the BBC, NDTV, India Today, AajTak, Times Now, Republic, Zee news and others. His work has featured in six Indian Languages.
