Meet the Hindu lawmakers in Trump 2.0 cabinet: Who they are and what it means for India-US relations

Meet the Hindu lawmakers in Trump 2.0 cabinet: Who they are and what it means for India-US relations

The 1990s marked a historic moment when Rajat Gupta became the CEO of McKinsey, a milestone many dismissed as a one-off. But it was far from isolated. In the decades that followed, Indian-origin leaders like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Indra Nooyi rose to helm global giants like Google, Microsoft, and PepsiCo. A shared thread among many of these leaders has been their Hindu roots. Now, this influence has extended to the political sphere, as President-elect Donald Trump’s 2.0 administration brings Hindu lawmakers into prominent positions, marking a significant moment in the history of India-US relations.

Tulsi Gabbard: The Face of Hindu Representation in Trump 2.0
One of the most notable appointments is military veteran Tulsi Gabbard, who assumes the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Although Tulsi does not have Indian heritage, she is a practicing Hindu, deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition. Born to American parents, her mother embraced Hinduism, instilling the faith into the Gabbard family. Known for taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita when elected to the US House of Representatives in 2013, Tulsi represents a unique American embrace of Sanatanic values, including yoga, meditation, vegetarianism, and the philosophy of karma.

Vivek Ramaswamy: The Efficiency Reformer
Vivek Ramaswamy, another prominent Hindu name in the Trump 2.0 cabinet, was born to Tamil-speaking Brahmin parents from Kerala. A Harvard and Yale graduate, Vivek was briefly a presidential contender before throwing his support behind Trump. In his new role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Vivek will focus on reducing wasteful government spending. His pragmatic and nationalist agenda is expected to have global ramifications, potentially aligning with India’s economic and geopolitical interests.

Kash Patel: The Security Strategist
Kash Patel, a practicing Hindu of Indian origin, is set to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US government’s critical counterterrorism and counterintelligence arm. Known for his pro-India stance and admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kash’s appointment is expected to strengthen the India-US strategic partnership.

Usha Chilukuri Vance: The Poised Second Lady
Adding to the growing Hindu presence in the administration is Usha Chilukuri Vance, who is set to become the Second Lady of the United States. A Yale Law School graduate and daughter of Telugu Brahmin immigrants, Usha married JD Vance, the Vice President-designate of the United States. Her cultural heritage adds a rich layer of diversity to the Trump 2.0 team.

What Does This Mean for India-US Relations?
These appointments carry significant implications for India. Tulsi Gabbard’s focus on border security could provide valuable insights for India’s own challenges with porous borders. Vivek Ramaswamy’s drive to cut wasteful federal spending might lead to reduced US arms funding for adversarial nations, indirectly benefiting India. Kash Patel’s pro-India outlook and vocal support for Modi’s leadership could further align the two nations' strategic goals.

A Shared Sense of Pride
While Tulsi, Vivek, Kash, and Usha are unequivocally American, their Hindu heritage offers a sense of cultural pride and connection to India. Their appointments highlight the growing influence of Hindu values in shaping not just corporate boardrooms but also the corridors of power in Washington. As this cultural bridge strengthens, the India-US relationship is poised to reach new heights.

About Author: Dr. Easwar Krishna Iyer is the Dean of Ramcharan School of Leadership, MIT WPU Pune. He is a psephologist and keen political analyst.