Administration

Trump tweets about Diwali, draws criticism for not mentioning Hindus in initial posts

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President Trump on Tuesday celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, but took criticism on social media for failing to mention Hinduism in the first two of a series of tweets recapping a White House ceremony commemorating the festival.

Trump hosted a group of administration and diplomatic officials who observe the holiday at a White House event in the Roosevelt Room. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, deputy press secretary Raj Shah and Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Navtej Sarna were among those in attendance.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights,” Trump said, reading from prepared remarks.

{mosads}”We’re gathered today to celebrate a very special holiday observed by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains throughout the United States and around the world,” he added.

The latter remark was copied and pasted into a tweet, which observers quickly noted did not mention Hinduism. Diwali, a five-day festival of lights, is among the most popular Hindu festivals and is observed by more than 1 billion people worldwide.

The president then deleted the initial tweet, later sharing the same message that omitted Hindus.

A third tweet, posted about 20 minutes later, did mention Hindus.

Trump made news at the ceremony when he announced his intention to nominate Neomi Rao to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for the seat vacated by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Rao currently serves as the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Tags Brett Kavanaugh Donald Trump

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