Washington DC: US President Donald Trump reshared content from American radio host Michael Savage on his Truth Social platform, amplifying remarks that described India, China and other countries using derogatory language.
The repost comes at a time when the US is witnessing renewed political and legal debate over birthright citizenship.
In the podcast, Savage criticised the policy that grants automatic US citizenship to children born on American soil, regardless of their parents' nationality. He alleged that individuals from countries such as India and China travel to the US late in pregnancy to secure citizenship for their children, a practice often referred to as "birth tourism". He further claimed that this system allows extended family members to later migrate, although such assertions remain widely debated and contested.
Savage also made disparaging claims about Indian and Chinese professionals in the US technology sector, suggesting that employment opportunities are skewed. These remarks have been criticised for promoting stereotypes and lacking factual backing.
The controversy intensified because Donald Trump shared both the video and transcript of the podcast, effectively endorsing or amplifying its message. The repost came shortly after Trump stated in an interview that the United States is the only country offering birthright citizenship, a claim that is factually incorrect. Several countries, including Canada and Mexico, as well as many in South America, follow similar principles.
Birthright citizenship in the US is rooted in the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalised in the country. Legal experts generally agree that altering this provision would require a constitutional amendment rather than executive action.
The issue is currently under judicial review, with the US Supreme Court hearing arguments related to an executive order signed by Trump in 2025 that seeks to limit automatic citizenship in certain cases. The case has become a focal point in the broader immigration debate.
Speaking about the potential outcome, Trump has argued that a ruling against his position could have financial and symbolic consequences for the country. However, critics say the debate has increasingly been accompanied by polarising rhetoric, raising concerns about its impact on immigrant communities and international relat