Trump attends Republican Hindu Coalition Diwali at Mara-a-Lago

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The Republican Hindu Coalition held Diwali celebrations at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach, Fl. Resort owned by former President Donald Trump.

Trump personally attended the Oct. 21, 2022 event.

“Wonderful to be with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago tonight to celebrate Diwali! As we celebrate this Diwali, we will always fight for light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over if (sic) ignorance,” tweeted Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, who also posted pictures from the event.

According to the Republican Hindu Coalition, RHC, press release from founder Shalabh Kumar, a Chicago entrepreneur, the event was attended by 183 RHC executives.

Twitter videos show an enthusiastic crowd, including cries of “We love you,” during the event as President Trump sat on the stage.

Photos posted on Twitter accounts show Trump participating in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony usually performed at the beginning of an Indian event.

In his speech, Trump acknowledged leaders of RHC and thanked them for organizing the event. He also made a number of promises if he were to decide to run for President, including placing several leaders of RHC in important positions. The master of ceremonies for the event was Jyotsna Sharma, a member of the leadership council of RHC.

Trump also promised, “He will work hard to prevent the sale of any military hardware to Pakistan including any F16s,” the press release said.

Trump also promised he would champion the cause of children who had come legally into the U.S. with their parents and would age out at 21 (Deferred Action for Legal Childhood Arrivals), a prospect many Indian immigrant families are facing; and that he would support legislation to cut Green Card backlogs.

He concluded his speech with a stab at speaking Hindi, declaring, “Bharat and America Sabse Acchhe Dost,” according to the press release.

A Twitter video from one of the attendees garnered comments from Trump supporters and detractors.

“Nice Celebration! Enjoyed it,” tweeted Raksha Patel.

“Spectacular” said Rukmini Ogoti on Twitter.

Rajeev Kaushik said, “It was awesome! Happy Diwali.”

Manasi Raje-Karnik tweeted, “Thank you everyone. Amazing event.”

A fireworks display was also part of the celebration.

President Joe Biden is expected to celebrate Diwali at the White House, an established tradition, on Oct. 24, according to news reports.