White House Diwali Celebration Sparks MAGA Backlash
The White House Diwali celebration, a bipartisan tradition since 2003, faced fierce criticism from far-right MAGA nativists this year. As President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden honored the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh festival of lights, prominent conservative voices condemned the event as “un-American,” exposing deep-seated racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Why Diwali at the White House Matters
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, a theme echoed in America’s multicultural ideals. The Bidens’ gathering included Vice President Kamala Harris, Indian-American lawmakers, and community leaders, reinforcing ties between the U.S. and its thriving South Asian diaspora.
MAGA’s Racist Rhetoric Goes Viral
Far-right influencers and Trump loyalists flooded social media with Hinduphobic tropes, claiming Diwali undermined “Christian values.” Examples include:
– “Why celebrate foreign religions when Christianity is under attack?”
– “This is how America loses its identity.”
The backlash ignored Trump’s own participation in Diwali events during his presidency, revealing blatant hypocrisy.
The Bigger Problem: Nativism vs. Pluralism
This incident reflects a broader trend: MAGA’s rejection of multiculturalism, despite Indian-Americans being one of the nation’s most successful immigrant groups. Lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna denounced the rhetoric, while the White House reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity.
Conclusion: Standing Against Hate
The vitriol toward Diwali underscores a fight for America’s soul. Yet, public support for the festival—and its message of unity—proves intolerance won’t dim the light.
