‘Not allowed to use the word ‘Indian’ anymore, only Indians want to use it’: Donald Trump

In a video circulated on social media, US President Donald Trump said that the word "India" is not allowed anymore. He said the only people who want to use the term are Indians. “You’re not allowed to use the word ‘Indian’ anymore. The only ones that want you to do it are the Indians. I will never tell you to change," the American president said.

The term "India" is used in America to describe Native American communities. But at present, tribal members only use it, and others argue that it is outdated and rooted in racism.

The term "Indian" stems from Christopher Columbus's error in believing he had reached India. Trump has a long and uneasy history with Native American tribes. He often positions himself as their defender, despite long-running disputes with them.

In April this year, organisations condemned Trump's threat to block a new stadium in Washington, DC, unless the local NFL team returned to its old name, the Redskins. The name was dropped in 2020 after years of complaints that it was a racial slur.

“I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington.