Congress MP Criticizes US President During Media Interaction in Washington
Indian parliamentarian and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor launched a scathing critique of US President Donald Trump during a media interaction in Washington, stating that Trump “lacks intellectual quality.”
Tharoor, who is currently visiting the United States leading an Indian delegation, made these remarks while speaking to the media following the Pahalgam attack and the unsuccessful Operation Sindoor.
Viral Video Shows Tharoor Comparing Trump with Previous US Presidents
A video clip circulating on social media shows Tharoor comparing Trump unfavorably with former US presidents, including George Bush Sr., George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. In the clip, he describes the current US president as neither agreeable nor pleasant, lacking the statesman-like gravitas of his predecessors.
"I’ve Met Five US Presidents—This Gentleman Falls Short": Tharoor
During his remarks, Tharoor noted:
“I had the great honour of meeting four or five American presidents... both the Bushes, Clinton, and briefly, Obama. These are people of a certain class, a certain distinction… But there was a certain political heft, statesman-like gravitas and intellectual quality that I find woefully lacking in this gentleman.”
"Not My Place to Comment, But..." — Tharoor Balances Critique with Caution
Tharoor acknowledged the diplomatic delicacy of criticizing foreign leaders on their own soil:
“It is really not our place, especially since I have been introduced as a Member of the Indian Parliament. I should not be commenting on political leaders in foreign countries while on their soil.”
He clarified that his views were not politically motivated nor based on policy disagreements, but rather stemmed from personal observations on demeanor and leadership style.
No Interest in US Immigration or Policy, Says Tharoor
Tharoor emphasized that he held no personal stake in American politics or immigration policy:
“I do not pay taxes here… I am not seeking to be an immigrant here; even when I had the right to apply, I did not.”
About Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor is a prominent Indian politician, author, former UN diplomat, and intellectual. He has been serving as a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala since 2009. Known for his articulate views and outspoken commentary, Tharoor has often voiced his opinions on international affairs and global leadership.
