NEW DELHI: Indian American voters have shifted in a way never seen before in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with a notable increase in support for Donald Trump. In a remarkable turn for a usually Democratic community, 45% of Indian American males and 30% of all Indian Americans cast ballots for Trump, according to political analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra.
45% – yes a record 45% of Indian American males voted for Trump. 30% of Indian Americans voted Trump. That’s one of the most significant historical shifts in group voting we’ve seen.
— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) November 8, 2024
A combination of social, political, and economic reasons are responsible for this notable change. Trump’s growing popularity is probably a result of his ideas toward U.S.-India relations, which appeal to the Indian diaspora. Trump’s reputation among Indian Americans was enhanced by significant diplomatic occasions like the “Howdy Modi” rally, where he took the stage alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This approach demonstrates Trump’s belief that Indian Americans have a significant influence on U.S.-India ties and American policy, which is consistent with his broader goal to appeal to a variety of voter groups.
Indian Americans also seem to be drawn to Trump’s economic policies, especially those pertaining to high-skilled immigration and business restrictions, as many of them are entrepreneurs or professionals in industries like technology and medical. The community views Trump’s economic vision as supportive of their success since they have historically invested in lower tax rates and less regulatory obstacles. On the other side, some members of the community have voiced their displeasure with how the present administration has handled economic matters, which has led to a shift in favor of Trump.
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Furthermore, some Indian Americans have found resonance in Trump’s rhetoric against immigration and security because they believe these topics are consistent with their values. Despite being polarizing, Trump’s immigration policies seem to have garnered some support from Indian Americans who are worried about illegal immigration, and his emphasis on law and order appeals to those who value security.
This change may indicate a trend toward diversification within the historically Democratic Asian American vote bloc, with significant ramifications for American politics. It implies that, particularly when it comes to foreign policy and economic security, Indian American voters may be more inclined to value individual policy positions over party loyalty. Trump’s rising popularity among Indian Americans is indicative of a changing dynamic between ethnic groups and American politics, where party loyalty is becoming less rigid and policy-based support is becoming more noticeable.