US President distances himself from controversial phrasing, calls India a “great country”
April 23, 2026: Donald Trump issued a clarification regarding his controversial “hellhole” remark on India, sharing a statement through the US Embassy in New Delhi. The clarification came after Trump reposted content from a political talk show hosted by Michael Savage, which had described countries like India and China in critical terms during a discussion on birthright citizenship in the United States.
In response to the backlash, a US Embassy spokesperson quoted Trump as saying that “India is a great country” and referred to its leadership as a “very good friend.” The reposted content primarily criticised the American Civil Liberties Union, accusing it of supporting policies that allegedly favour undocumented immigrants. The discussion centred around opposition to birthright citizenship, a long-standing provision under US law.
The episode has sparked debate over immigration policy and political rhetoric in the US, while also drawing attention in India due to the reference. The clarification appears aimed at easing diplomatic sensitivities, even as broader discussions around citizenship laws and constitutional interpretation continue in American political discourse.