Trump shares post calling India, China ‘hellholes’; Iran hits back

US President Donald Trump has triggered controversy after reposting a video that described India and China as “hellholes” while criticising America’s birthright citizenship policy.

The reposted content was originally from a talk show hosted by conservative commentator Michael Savage, where he said that migrants exploit US laws by travelling late in pregnancy so that their children gain automatic citizenship. It claimed such provisions allow families from countries like India and China to eventually settle in the United States.

The remarks quickly drew backlash, particularly for the derogatory reference to the two Asian nations. The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with debates around immigration and citizenship intensifying in the United States.

Trump's post came a day after he said in an interview that the United States is the only country that grants citizenship by birth. However, several countries — including Canada, Mexico and much of South America — also follow birthright citizenship.

Iran reacted sharply to the comments, defending India and China. In a statement, the Iranian mission described both countries as “cradles of civilisation” and criticised Trump’s rhetoric, turning the attack back on Washington.

The response also referenced earlier threats made by Trump during the ongoing conflict with Iran, highlighting broader geopolitical tensions between the countries.

Trump has repeatedly pushed to end the practice. After beginning his second term in January 2025, he signed an executive order seeking to restrict automatic citizenship in certain cases.

Legal experts widely argue that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship, and any change would face constitutional hurdles. The issue is currently before the US Supreme Court, which recently heard arguments in a case challenging Trump’s order.