Donald Trump sparks fresh controversy after questioning Indian journalist’s nationality at White House

President Trump’s lighthearted jab at a reporter during a briefing has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, overshadowing ongoing trade talks between New Delhi and Washington.

The atmosphere in the Oval Office took an unexpected turn on Friday when President Donald Trump interrupted an Indian journalist preparing to ask a question regarding the current state of US-India relations. Before the reporter could address the US president, Trump interjected, asking, “Are you from India by any chance? Huh? I thought you were from Germany.” After the journalist confirmed his origins, the president added, “I was only kidding, you’re central casting,” a phrase he often uses to describe people who appear to fit a specific aesthetic.

Reactions and the racism row

The exchange was captured on camera and quickly went viral, drawing sharp rebukes across social media platforms. Critics were swift to label the remark as racially insensitive, with some users describing it as “racism at the highest level,” while others questioned the decorum of the president. The incident has reignited debates regarding Trump’s interaction with the press, with one online commentator suggesting that such rhetoric undermines the gravity of the office he holds.

Despite the initial tension, Trump proceeded to answer the journalist’s inquiry, characterizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend.” The president reaffirmed that he and the Prime Minister “have a good relationship” and noted that they generally get along well. However, his comments on trade were more combative, as he claimed that India had previously “taken advantage” of the United States through high tariffs. “Now it is the exact reverse and we are making a lot of money with India,” he said, expressing optimism that a formal trade agreement would be finalized soon.

Trade negotiations under the spotlight

The president’s remarks come at a sensitive time for bilateral economic diplomacy. Just a day prior, the Trump administration had proposed an additional 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from 60 different economies, a list that includes India. This trade tension adds weight to the ongoing negotiations, which have seen increased momentum in recent weeks.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the two nations are in the final stages of reaching a deal. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor recently stated that the talks are nearing a conclusion, with only a few outstanding issues left to address. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has echoed this sentiment, indicating that the majority of the framework is settled. Both sides are now focused on ironing out the final details before announcing the first phase of an agreement that both governments hope will stabilize the economic relationship after years of friction.