NEW DELHI: Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s tweet congratulating Donald Trump on his return to political prominence has sparked a wave of speculation and criticism. In his November 6 post, Adani praised Trump as the embodiment of “unbreakable tenacity” and “relentless determination.” The tweet, combined with an offer to create 15,000 jobs in the U.S., drew sharp reactions, with some questioning the urgency and optics of the gesture.
If there is one person on Earth who stands as the embodiment of unbreakable tenacity, unshakeable grit, relentless determination and the courage to stay true to his beliefs, it is Donald Trump. Fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation’s… pic.twitter.com/oCztiexw4b
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) November 6, 2024
Critics argue that such congratulatory messages are typically reserved for heads of state, not business leaders. Prominent voices, including journalist Aarti Tikoo Singh who on November 6th, noted this protocol, while writer Advaita Kala warned on November 21st that Adani might have “walked into a political minefield,” given the divisive nature of U.S. politics and the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) history of rigorous scrutiny.
Adani should not have congratulated Trump and made the offer of creating 15k jobs in the US – he has walked into a political minefield. The US is deeply divided and the DOJ weaponised.
Who advises him??
Our silly politicians here are jumping up and down without realising DOJ…
— Advaita Kala (@AdvaitaKala) November 21, 2024
Congratulatory message usually comes from the head of the state. 🤨 https://t.co/7LQaz0fN7k
— Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) November 6, 2024
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However, Adani’s gesture is not without precedent. Tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and other global business figures have previously congratulated U.S. leaders, including Trump and Biden, after significant political milestones. These actions are often framed as diplomatic moves aimed at maintaining good relations in a key market like the U.S.
While some speculate that Adani’s tweet could invite DOJ attention, such allegations remain unsubstantiated. Observers highlight that congratulatory messages, while symbolic, are unlikely to hold legal weight unless tied to concrete actions perceived as lobbying or interference.
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Adani’s message reflects broader complexities in navigating global politics as a prominent business leader. Critics might question the timing, but others see it as a calculated move to align with potential U.S. policy shifts under Trump.
For now, the debate underscores the tightrope walked by global CEOs in balancing national interests and international ambitions. Whether Adani’s tweet will have tangible repercussions remains to be seen, but the incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes in the global political arena.