'POTUS says India a great country': US 'clarifies' amid Donald Trump's 'hell hole' letter repost row

New Delhi: The United States officials on Thursday stepped in to do damage control after US President Donald Trump's controversial social media, and said that POTUS believes India to be a "great" country led by a "good friend of mine."

Responding to queries from Indian media, a spokesperson for the US embassy said the President has expressed appreciation for India, stating, “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top”.

The clarification came after Trump shared a post featuring remarks by radio host Michael Savage, who had referred to India, China and some other countries as “hellholes”. The repost triggered criticism and raised concerns over the US administration’s stance.

However, the embassy spokesperson underscored that Trump’s views towards India remain favourable, reiterating, “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top”.

The official, however, did not specify when or where the President made the remark.

Savage’s comments were made in the context of an ongoing case before the US Supreme Court concerning birthright citizenship.

India's response to Trump's post

In New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal offered a brief response when asked about the controversy, saying, “We have seen some reports. That is where I leave it.”