In a powerful and impassioned response to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) delivered a scathing critique of the divisive rhetoric and harmful policies put forth by the administration. With a #StopAsianHate sign held high, Meng highlighted the detrimental impact of Trump’s agenda on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) across the nation.
In her statement, Meng emphasized that instead of fostering unity and addressing the pressing needs of the American people, President Trump chose to sow discord, propagate falsehoods, and gaslight the public regarding his extreme policies. She underscored the administration’s intent to erode vital programs such as Medicaid, public education, and food assistance—programs that are lifelines for the AANHPI community.
The Budget Resolution supported by House Republicans and President Trump poses a grave threat to the healthcare coverage of 4.5 million AANHPIs enrolled in Medicaid comprehensive benefits. The proposed cuts, amounting to $2.5 trillion in federal Medicaid funding, prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over the well-being of vulnerable communities. Additionally, crucial programs like SNAP, TANF, Pell grants, Head Start, and the Affordable Care Act are at risk of being slashed under the current budget plan.
Furthermore, the revocation of Executive Order 13166 by President Trump, which aimed to improve access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency, has disproportionately affected the AANHPI community, where 32 percent of individuals fall into this category. The erasure of important commemorative dates, including AANHPI Heritage Month, and the normalization of racist behavior within government ranks further underscore the administration’s disregard for diversity and inclusion.
The surge in online threats and hate speech targeting Asian Americans, particularly South Asians, following the 2024 election is alarming. Violent threats have increased by 59 percent, with a significant portion directed at the AANHPI community. This rise coincides with the xenophobic rhetoric espoused by President Trump and his allies, perpetuating a culture of fear and discrimination.
As the Chair of CAPAC, Congresswoman Grace Meng stands at the forefront of advocating for the rights and dignity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and respect resonates with individuals across the nation who refuse to be silenced or marginalized. The fight for a more inclusive and equitable society continues, driven by voices like Meng’s that refuse to back down in the face of adversity.
Founded in 1994, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus comprises 79 Members of Congress dedicated to championing the interests of AANHPI communities. Under the leadership of Congresswoman Grace Meng, CAPAC remains steadfast in its mission to address issues impacting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders at the highest levels of government.
