Bozeman, Montana, USA: Indian American politician and former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy faced a series of racially and religiously charged questions during a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) gathering at Montana State University on Sunday. The exchange ignited broader discussions about religious inclusion and representation in American politics.
TPUSA, a conservative youth organisation established in 2012 by activist Charlie Kirk, is known for engaging college students around principles such as limited government, free-market economics, and a focus on “America First.”
The appearance, part of the organisation’s “This Is the Turning Point” tour, drew attention after multiple attendees questioned Ramaswamy’s suitability for office due to his Hindu faith and Indian heritage. One participant asked sharply, “If you are an Indian, a Hindu, from a different culture and religion than the founders of this country… what exactly are you conserving?” Critics widely condemned the remark as xenophobic and anti-Hindu.
Another individual claimed, “Jesus Christ is God, and there is no other God,” and questioned how Ramaswamy could represent a state where Christians make up 64 percent of the population. A separate attendee accused him of “posing as a Christian” for political advantage, while others raised concerns about whether his “polytheistic beliefs” aligned with American values.
Ramaswamy, born in Ohio to Indian immigrant parents, addressed the questions with composure and clarity. Highlighting that the U.S. Constitution forbids religious tests for public office, he had a student read Article VI aloud. “I’m not running to serve as a pastor,” he told the audience. “I’m running to serve as governor. My religion does not prevent me from representing the people of this nation.”
He also briefly described his spiritual philosophy, explaining that Vedanta Hinduism can be viewed as a form of “ethical monotheism,” and drew parallels with the Christian Trinity. “In our faith, a single God can appear in multiple forms — similar to how the Trinity represents three manifestations of one God,” he said. The comparison drew a mix of applause and criticism, with some Christian attendees objecting to the analogy.
The controversy continued online after the event. Ramaswamy became the target of social media ridicule. Nalin Haley, son of former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, mocked his appearance in the Montana event video and accused him of redefining “American values.” The incident went viral, intensifying debates within conservative circles.
Analysts suggest the episode highlights ongoing tensions regarding race and religion in U.S. politics, especially in conservative settings. “These kinds of questions show that candidates who are non-Christian or non-white are still expected to prove their Americanness,” noted one political observer. “It’s a reminder that who is considered fit for public office is still debated.”
Ramaswamy has previously encountered similar attacks. Earlier this year, social media users posted derogatory messages about his family, including “Go back to India,” while commentator Ann Coulter publicly stated she could not support him “because you’re an Indian.”
Despite the scrutiny, Ramaswamy remained resolute. “America’s strength comes from its principles — not the colour of your skin or the name of your God,” he told the crowd in Montana. “That’s the America I believe in, and that’s the country I am committed to serving.”
