Comedian Discusses Indian Views on Trump and Biden on Podcast

Comedian Zarna Garg chatted with The Daily Beast Podcast this past Sunday, sharing insights on why some in the Indian community find resonance with President Donald Trump, particularly amid worries about former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

“When it comes to immigration, most Indians are legal immigrants in the U.S., meaning they’ve had to navigate years of waiting and extensive documentation. It’s a whole process,” Garg explained. “So, the issue of illegal immigration? That was never part of our experience; we just didn’t grasp what was unfolding during Biden’s time in office,” said host Joanna Coles.

Born in India, Garg moved to the U.S. and ventured into comedy almost on a whim after her daughter, Zoya, “forced” her to join an open mic night in New York City in 2019.

She expressed frustration regarding the perception of immigrants: “It’s hard to grasp why some people didn’t take the rules seriously. Just ask any Indian. We have family members who’ve been in line for 15 years because they’re following the rules. Yet, it seems like those who broke the law are the ones facing consequences,” Garg told Coles.

Although Garg acknowledges some of Trump’s highlighted issues as valid, she criticized his approach to immigration. “I think he could handle things differently,” she remarked, admitting, “I have issues with how he executes policies. But, ignoring real problems doesn’t make them disappear.”

Zoya Garg, also featured on the podcast, noted that Trump’s image as a businessman resonates deeply within the community. “It’s admirable that Trump presents himself as a businessman. That’s something we, as Indians, really relate to,” she said.

Later, Garg referenced the Biden administration and the confusion it caused among the Indian immigrant community concerning immigration laws: “During Biden’s term, we, as immigrants, worked hard to secure visas while witnessing uncertainty at both the southern and northern borders,” she explained.

Garg shared her experience with critics of Trump, especially among Europeans. “Many love to criticize Trump, and often they’re justified, but they also question what’s happening at our borders. It’s not as simple as just walking across into places like Switzerland or Canada,” she commented.

At one point, Garg candidly stated, “The Indian community really loves Trump. That’s a fact. We don’t view him the same way that many Americans do.” Her daughter then joked, “I guess all our politicians are a bit crooked back home, so that seems standard.”

Reflecting on her comedy career, Garg stated, “This is a place that values voices like mine.” She noted that she never envisioned having such opportunities back in India, saying, “That’s what sets America apart.”

In a related note, a recent survey from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicated that while Indian Americans have traditionally leaned toward the Democratic Party, support for it dropped from 56% in 2020 to 47% in 2024. Meanwhile, the number of independents has risen during the same time frame, with Republican support remaining relatively stable.