Trump-themed covers appear on New Delhi rickshaws ahead of Rubio visit

NEW DELHI: Auto-rickshaws in India’s capital have been given a Donald Trump-themed redesign as part of events linked to the United States’ 250th Independence celebrations and ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India, according to the US embassy and AFP.

The US embassy said it is supplying thousands of covers for the back of the city’s three-wheeled taxis, commonly known as tuk-tuks. The covers carry Trump’s image alongside the US flag and the message Happy Birthday America! and 250 years old. US Ambassador Sergio Gor launched the campaign in April, with the embassy saying the effort features iconic American imagery. Some of the covers also display the Statue of Liberty.

In comments to AFP, the US embassy in New Delhi said that thousands of tuk-tuks currently in circulation will be sponsored to display messages marking America’s 250th birthday.

Drivers divided over campaign

At a fuel station in hot weather, a 24-year-old worker identified only as Tushar was seen fitting one of the covers to a rickshaw. He told AFP that he receives around 60 to 70 covers each day from a supplier and earns about 50 rupees for installing each one.

Tushar said he had been trying to convince drivers waiting in lines for compressed natural gas to accept the free covers, sometimes offering a small packet of tea as an added incentive.

He said:

“The gifts keep changing,” Tushar said. “Sometimes, it is pickles.”

Some drivers welcomed the offer because replacing a standard cover costs money. Driver Murari Lal said he accepted the new one because a plain replacement cover costs around 700 rupees, or about $7.

He said:

“I know it’s Trump, but I have got a new cover — and without paying anything,”

Others rejected the campaign. One driver, who did not give his name, said he would not take the cover even at no cost.

“I won’t get the cover, even if it is for free,” he said, declining to give his name. “Trump has ruined everything.”

Tushar said some drivers were unwilling to display Trump’s image because of anger linked to the war. He told AFP that those who follow the news were upset with Trump and refused the covers outright.

Fuel pressures add to discontent

According to AFP, India has been affected by fuel supply disruptions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran led Tehran to tighten its hold over the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Last week, New Delhi announced fuel-saving steps, including work-from-home days for government employees, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for lower fuel consumption.

India is the world’s third-largest oil buyer and usually gets about half of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz. AFP reported that while India had been among the few countries in the region not to raise domestic fuel prices, it has increased prices twice since last week, prompting anger, particularly among commercial drivers.

Drivers in the city can face fines for displaying advertisements on their vehicles, although some still carry promotions for brands, language courses, lesser-known sexual wellness clinics, or patriotic slogans such as My India is Great.

Rubio’s India itinerary

Rubio is due to arrive in India on Saturday for a multi-city visit aimed at broadening ties beyond official meetings in the capital, AFP reported. His trip will begin in Kolkata, which is home to one of the oldest US diplomatic posts in India and received its first consul in 1792, 16 years after US independence.

He is then scheduled to attend a gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of US independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.