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FBI Chief Patel Faces Backlash Over Diwali Acknowledgment

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

FBI Director Kash Patel faced backlash after acknowledging Diwali, highlighting racism within the MAGA movement.
Patel is the first Indian-American FBI chief.
The backlash included online hate, such as calls to “go back to India.”
Leaked texts from Young Republican operatives reveal a culture of bigotry tolerated by party leaders.
Vice President JD Vance dismissed the issue as “stupid jokes.”

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Story summary

FBI Director Kash Patel faced backlash after acknowledging Diwali, highlighting racism within the MAGA movement.
Patel is the first Indian-American FBI chief.
The backlash included online hate, such as calls to “go back to India.”
Leaked texts from Young Republican operatives reveal a culture of bigotry tolerated by party leaders.
Vice President JD Vance dismissed the issue as “stupid jokes.”