Washington, D.C., November 28, 2025 – President Donald Trump ignited fresh backlash on Thursday after quipping in a video from a Thanksgiving call with U.S. troops that Americans are "not allowed" to use the word "Indian" anymore, claiming "only Indians" want it revived – a remark interpreted as a pun distinguishing Native Americans from people of South Asian descent.
The comment, captured in a widely circulated clip, came during a virtual address to military personnel on November 27, as Trump engaged with a service member from the "Mohawks" unit, known for its tomahawk chop gesture. When the soldier referenced the unit's motto, Trump interjected: “You’re not allowed to use the word ‘Indian’ anymore. The only ones that want you to do it are the Indians. I will never tell you to change.”
Trump's offhand remark, delivered with his signature blend of humor and defiance toward "political correctness," quickly spread across social media, drawing both chuckles from supporters and sharp criticism from Native American advocates. The pun plays on the dual meanings of "Indian" – referring to Indigenous peoples of the Americas versus citizens of India – amid ongoing sensitivities around the term's historical misuse.
### Historical Misnomer: The Origins of 'Indian'
The word "Indian" as applied to Native Americans traces back to a navigational blunder by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Believing he had reached the shores of Asia (specifically the Indies, as India was then known in Europe), Columbus dubbed the Indigenous inhabitants "Indios" or "Indians." This error persisted in colonial nomenclature, embedding the term into U.S. legal and cultural lexicon despite its inaccuracy.
Over centuries, "Indian" has become a point of contention. While some tribal nations and individuals self-identify with it – as seen in organizations like the National Congress of American Indians – others view it as a colonial relic that erases distinct tribal identities. Preferred terms today include "Native American," "Indigenous," or specific tribal names like Navajo or Cherokee. The U.S. government officially uses "American Indian or Alaska Native" in census and legal contexts, but debates rage on, especially in sports and education.
### Trump's Long-Standing Tribal Tensions
The president's jest isn't isolated; it echoes his history of clashes with Native communities. In April 2025, Trump threatened to withhold federal funding for a new Washington, D.C., stadium unless the NFL's Commanders reverted to their former "Redskins" moniker, a slur retired in 2020 amid widespread protests. He similarly urged the Cleveland Guardians – rebranded from the "Indians" in 2021 – to reclaim the old name, insisting "Indian people" supported it.
These interventions drew condemnation from groups like the Association on American Indian Affairs, which stated: "Our diverse people and cultures are not relics of the past or mascots for entertainment." Conversely, the Native American Guardians Association backed Trump's push, arguing it restores "common sense and sanity."
Trump's 1993 congressional testimony against Native gaming rights further underscores his fraught relationship, where he alleged widespread corruption in tribal casinos – claims later debunked but that fueled anti-Indian sentiment.
### Reactions Pour In
Social media erupted post-video, with #TrumpIndian trending globally. Supporters praised the "hilarious takedown of woke culture," while critics accused him of trivializing Indigenous erasure. "This isn't comedy; it's colonialism cosplaying as a joke," tweeted Lakota activist Nick Estes.
In India, reactions were mixed: Some netizens embraced the pun as a nod to cultural overlap, with one viral post joking, "Finally, Trump gets that 'Indian' means us too!" Others, however, saw it as another instance of American insensitivity toward global identities.
The White House has not issued a formal response, but a spokesperson dismissed concerns as "overblown media spin," emphasizing Trump's "strong support for our troops and traditions."
As Native American Heritage Month concludes, Trump's words serve as a reminder of unresolved linguistic and cultural reckonings in America. With midterm elections looming, such gaffes could mobilize Indigenous voters, who turned out in record numbers in 2024 to back Democratic candidates.
The full video clip, shared via Truth Social and X, has amassed over 5 million views in under 24 hours.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
