Nalin Haley, son of former United States Ambassador
Nikki Haley, stirred a row again after defending his dual heritage, describing himself as “Indian and White” in response to a social media user who told him he could only be one.
The debate took place after Nalin was confronted with the comment: “You’re Indian, Nalin. Stop pretending you’re white.”
The MAGA loudmouth replied: “I’m not one or the other, I’m both. There’s not a single tweet or anything I’ve said where I’ve denied my identity. This is just a cope because you’re Indian and trying to group me with you so I have your same stupid views. It’s not happening.”
The exchange also involved Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy who recently published a New York Times opinion piece titled “What is an American.” In the op-ed, Ramaswamy explained his version of the American identity and how it should be based on shared civic values and loyalty to the Constitution rather than ancestry or heritage.
He rejected white nationalist “groyper” movements and condemned racist attacks directed at Indian-Hindu second lady Usha Vance.
Nalin Haley clashed with Ramaswamy and replied to one of his posts, in which Ramaswamy was discussing his op‑ed and American identity, saying, “American identity is binary: either you’re an American, or you’re not.” According to Nalin, the ex-DOGE leader “crashes out” every Christmas and hence he said: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
He said in another reply: “If I had a nickel for every time Vivek crashed out on Americans during Christmas, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird it happened twice, right?”
Nalin Haley’s comment about Vivek Ramaswamy “crashing out at Christmas” refers to previous occasions around the holiday season when Ramaswamy faced backlash. His op‑eds and posts were criticised by some for being critical of American culture or identity at a time when many expected festive unity.
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