Trump‍‍`s administration welcomes key Indian-American and Hindu leaders

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed another Indian-American to a significant role in his administration. Kash Patel, a long-time ally of Trump, has been named the new Director of the FBI. 

This announcement has sparked a lot of attention, especially after Trump’s former spiritual advisor, Johnny Moore, shared a post on X, saying that Indian-American figures like Usha, Tulsi, Vivek, Jay, and Kash are the "heart" of Trump‍‍`s next administration.

He described their rise as a big win for the Indian-American community.

Kash Patel’s appointment is part of a larger trend, as at least five people of Indian descent or with Hindu ties have landed important positions in Trump’s team. 

Besides Patel, the group includes Usha Vance, the future Second Lady of the U.S.; Tulsi Gabbard, the new Director of the National Security Agency; Vivek Ramaswamy, a key figure in government efficiency; and Jay Bhattacharya, the new head of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Kash Patel: FBI’s New Leader

Kash Patel, whose full name is Kashyap Pramod Patel, was born in New York in 1980. He went on to study law at the University of Richmond and University College London. 

Before entering politics, Patel worked as a lawyer. He’s a known Trump supporter and has held several important roles in Trump’s first term, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense and Deputy Director of National Intelligence.

Usha Vance: A Strong Supporter Behind the Scenes

Usha Vance, the wife of J.D. Vance, Trump’s pick for Vice President, has strong Indian roots. She was born in San Diego, California, and her family hails from Andhra Pradesh, India. 

Usha studied history at Yale University and philosophy at Cambridge. She married J.D. Vance in 2014, and her deep connection to Hinduism has been a key influence in shaping his political career.

Tulsi Gabbard: The Hindu Leader in U.S. Politics

Tulsi Gabbard has made history as the Director of the National Security Agency. While many assume she is of Indian descent due to her Hindu faith, Tulsi is actually of Samoan descent. Her mother converted to Hinduism when the family moved to Hawaii. 

Tulsi, who strongly identifies as a Hindu, has clarified that she does not support "Hindu nationalism."

Vivek Ramaswamy: A Rising Star in U.S. Politics

Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American entrepreneur, made waves during the 2024 presidential race by challenging Trump for the top spot. 

Born in Ohio to Indian parents from Kerala, Vivek has built a successful career, with a reported net worth of over $1 billion. 

He’s now poised to take on a major role in Trump’s future government, focusing on improving government efficiency.

Jay Bhattacharya: Leading the NIH

Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Born in West Bengal, India, Jay moved to the U.S. at age three. 

He has a distinguished academic background, with an MD and PhD from Stanford University. His appointment highlights the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics and science.

Trump’s appointments showcase the growing presence of Indian-American and Hindu leaders in the U.S. government, marking a new chapter in the nation’s political landscape.