A Controversy That Won’t Die
The phrase “Normalize Indian Hate” was posted by Marko Elez, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee whose racist social media history resurfaced last week. The revelation sparked a massive backlash, leading to Elez’s resignation. However, Elon Musk, with backing from Vice President JD Vance, reinstated Elez after a public poll on X.
Vance’s defense of Elez—despite the blatant racism—has ignited outrage, particularly among Indian-Americans. Critics point to the hypocrisy in how Elez is treated compared to Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American MAGA figure who was pushed out of DOGE without fanfare or second chances.
This controversy highlights a deeper, uncomfortable truth. While MAGA claims to be an inclusive, meritocratic movement, it still harbors deep-seated biases against Indian-Americans—whether they are outsiders criticizing the right or insiders trying to fit in.
JD Vance’s Response: Gaslighting or Genuine Belief?
Vance took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss concerns over Elez’s racist statements. Instead of addressing why he supported the return of someone who publicly advocated hate against Indians, he attacked critics for engaging in “emotional blackmail.”
“For the sake of both of our kids? Grow up,” Vance wrote. “Racist trolls on the internet, while offensive, don’t threaten my kids. You know what does? A culture that denies grace to people who make mistakes. A culture that encourages Congressmen to act like whiny children.”
Vance framed the backlash as part of a cancel culture overreach, ignoring the fact that Elez’s post explicitly targeted Indian-Americans—a group that includes his own wife and children.
His dismissive stance infuriated social media users, who called him out for failing to defend his own family.
Congressman Ro Khanna responded, saying, “Are you going to tell him to apologize for saying ‘Normalize Indian hate’ before this rehire? Just asking for the sake of both of our kids.”
Journalist Wajahat Ali added, “Your wife is Indian American. Your kids are Indian American. Elez said he wants to ‘normalize Indian hate.’ Have some pride, man. Have some dignity. For your family’s sake, you pathetic Reek.”
Another user, Divya, criticized Vance’s privilege, stating, “Easy for JD Vance to say this when his kids are covered by 24/7 security. What about regular Indian kids who have been rendered vulnerable because of the normalization of online hatred against Indians?”
A well-known activist account, ind_us_immigrnt, pointed out the hypocrisy: “Say ‘Normalize hate against White people’ and see how the MAGA clowns react.”
The Hypocrisy: Why Wasn’t Vivek Ramaswamy Given the Same Grace?
While Elon Musk and JD Vance rallied to defend Elez, Vivek Ramaswamy—once considered MAGA’s rising star—was swiftly removed from his role in DOGE. Elez gets a poll, a second chance, and full public backing. Ramaswamy gets silence and a quiet exit.
This double standard has infuriated Indian-American conservatives, many of whom now feel betrayed by a movement they once supported. The key question remains: Why is a white staffer, who openly promoted racism, given a second chance while an Indian-American leader is pushed aside?
Harshil, an Indian-American commentator, pointed out, “While Vivek Ramaswamy was deselected for DOGE, Elez has the backing of Vance for saying ‘Normalize Indian Hate.’ Indian-Americans, this is straight to your face. No matter how much you succeed, you will always be a second-class citizen.”
The Big Balls Moment: Musk’s Flippant Justification
Musk defended Elez’s return by citing forgiveness, conducting a poll on X in which 78 percent of users voted to reinstate him.
Shortly after the results, Musk tweeted, “He will be brought back. To err is human, to forgive divine.”
Trump also chimed in, telling reporters, “I’m with the Vice President.”
However, this narrative of forgiveness crumbles when contrasted with MAGA’s past actions.
- When Black NFL players kneeled for the anthem, MAGA figures demanded permanent bans.
- When liberal figures were “canceled” for offensive remarks, MAGA called for boycotts and firings.
- When an Indian-American MAGA figure was removed, there was silence.
The flippancy of how this issue was handled was best captured by David Sacks, who mocked the situation with this exchange:
“Sir, the Pentagon has failed another audit.”
“Send in Big Balls.”
This level of casual arrogance over racism against Indian-Americans reinforces a harsh truth. Certain groups will always be prioritized within MAGA, while others remain expendable.
The ‘Pagan Problem’: MAGA’s Uneasy Relationship With Indian-Americans
Indian-Americans like Usha Vance, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sriram Krishnan have been prominent in MAGA’s political and business circles. Yet, their presence is often met with hostility from MAGA’s nativist and evangelical factions.
An earlier TOI report captured this underlying racism, highlighting online attacks against Usha Vance.
- “Christ is King, not some stinky Indian idol.”
- “Will there be a cow in the White House soon?”
Despite these overt attacks, MAGA leaders—including JD Vance himself—have largely ignored or downplayed the bigotry coming from within their own base. The underlying message is clear. Indian-Americans may be allowed in MAGA circles, but they will never be truly embraced.
The Takeaway: Who Gets to Be Forgiven?
This controversy exposes the inherent contradictions within MAGA’s stance on race, meritocracy, and inclusion. If you are a white conservative who posts racist remarks, you get a poll, a second chance, and the full backing of Trump, Vance, and Musk. If you are an Indian-American conservative, you are disposable. The fallout from Marko Elez’s reinstatement and JD Vance’s dismissive response has left many Indian-Americans wondering:
- Is there any true place for them in MAGA?
- Are they only valued as token figures when convenient?
- Would their loyalty ever be reciprocated?
For now, Vance, Musk, and Trump have made their priorities clear. And for Indian-Americans watching from the sidelines, the lesson is stark. MAGA’s loyalty is conditional. And it does not extend to you.
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