The streets of New Delhi, India, have a new head-turner, and it involves Donald Trump’s face on the back of the capital’s autorickshaws. Dozens of these yellow-and-green rickshaws now have the President’s portrait. And above his portrait, they have the Stars and Stripes waves next to the Statue of Liberty, with the words “Happy Birthday America!” appearing in bold letters.
The U.S. Embassy rolled out the campaign to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, plastering about 100 of the three-wheelers with the festive image — but for many drivers, the diplomatic fanfare means absolutely nothing.
Donald Trump’s face hits Indian autorickshaws ahead of 250th anniversary of American independence
Discussing Donald Trump’s poster on the autorickshaws in India, Ganesh Kumar, a driver whose rickshaw now carries the poster, sounded unimpressed. He told the Associated Press that he had little connection to the man on his vehicle. Kumar admitted, “I don’t know much (about Trump),” adding, “I’m a poor man,” and revealing, “I refused (the poster) but they (people who were giving the poster) said put it, we will give you a packet of tea.”
Meanwhile, another driver had a more practical reason for letting Trump on the back of his rickshaw. As such, Pradeep Kumar told the AP, “The hood (of my autorickshaw) was torn. That’s why I got this,” adding, “They told me to put it, that’s why I did it.”
The campaign reportedly hopes to showcase strong ties between the U.S. and India, especially since Washington allegedly wants to smooth over relations after President Trump’s tariff policies jacked up duties on several Indian exports, creating tensions.
But not every driver bought into the spectacle. Amir Chand completely refused to turn his rickshaw into a rolling billboard, highlighting the geopolitical tensions that Trump controls.
Donald Trump’s photo now commutes through multiple autorickshaws on the streets of India, but it has failed to impress those who drive them.
