Following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stirred controversy with his remarks. In an interview with news agency ANI, Aiyar expressed regret that a man of questionable character, who allegedly consorted with prostitutes, was elected as the President of the United States. Aiyar stated, 'I deeply regret that a man with a history like his, engaging in relationships with prostitutes and paying them hush money, has been chosen by the people as President.'
Aiyar mourned Kamala Harris's defeat, saying, 'Had Kamala Harris won, she could have made history as the first female President and the first leader with Indian roots. Sadly, I regret her loss. Personally, I believe that Donald Trump is not a good person. While its political implications are another matter, regarding character, I undoubtedly think the wrong choice was made. This is my personal opinion.'
Aiyar’s remarks referenced Donald Trump’s hush money case related to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleged that Trump had an affair with her in 2006 and offered substantial money during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep silent. The case is still under trial, with Trump indicted, although he claims innocence, implying a conspiracy against him.
While Aiyar expressed dismay at Trump’s victory and questioned his character, his party's national president, Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi congratulated Trump on his win. Rahul Gandhi posted on X, 'Congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory. Best wishes for success in your second term as U.S. President. My best wishes to Kamala Harris for her future endeavors.' Mallikarjun Kharge also posted on X, 'On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election.'
In the U.S. elections, Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump secured a decisive victory over his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. He will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second term in this office. Previously, Trump served as President from 2016 to 2020. His previous bid for a consecutive term saw him losing to Democratic candidate Joe Biden. However, months before the presidential election, Biden withdrew from running for a second term, leading the Democratic Party to nominate Kamala Harris as their candidate.
