WASHINGTON: US president-elect Donald Trump acknowledged the contribution of Indian-Americans in his electoral triumph, saying his victorious campaign did "great with the Hindus." Addressing thousands of supporters at a 'Thank You' rally in Orlando, Florida, Trump said, "We have a lot of people here tonight from the Indian community, Hindus. We did great with the Hindus."
The event did in fact, see a sizeable population from the community. "Where are they? We have a big group. There they are. I want to thank you. You folks were amazing. They were amazing and voted and they were fantastic," the billionaire said pointing out at the Indian-Americans in the crowd. The Trump campaign's stint with India has long been in the public's notice as they made a point to constantly engage with the community. A fortnight before the elections, Trump attended a charity event organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition to raise funds for Hindu victims of terror in Kashmir and Bangladesh.
In his address, the president-elect pledged to work for the betterment of India-US relationship and said he would be the best friend of India in the White House. He also praised Narendra Modi for his economic reforms and steps that he has taken to remove bureaucratic red tape. The Trump campaign released an advertisement in which he was seen saying "Ab ki Baar Trump Sarkar", copying Modi's historic 2014 election punchline.
In his public address, Trump said, "Dream big and bold and daring. I am asking you to believe in yourself and asking you to believe in America. Together, we will make America great again." He reiterated his plan of extreme vetting of refugee, asylum and visa applicants seeking to enter the US from regions where terrorists have strongholds. Don also pledged to keep Islamic terrorists "the hell out of our country". "We have seen Islamic terror attacks from Paris to Belgium to San Bernardino. One after other, again and again. We are going to stop it. Let me state this as clearly as I can: I am going to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of our country."
Exxon CEO is US secy of state
Trump officially selected Rex Tillerson, the chief executive of Exxon Mobil, to be his secretary of state. In taking the step, Trump is dismissing bipartisan concerns that the globe-trotting leader of an energy giant has a too-cozy relationship with Russian president Putin. A statement from Trump's transition office brought to an end his chaotic deliberations over the top job.
The oil company stands to make some major gains as well: It has billions of dollars in deals that can go forward only if the US lifts sanctions against Russia.
