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Indian-American Jiten Agarwal hosts high-profile fundraiser for JD Vance in Houston
Vance also discussed U.S.-India relations, emphasizing the shared values between the two nations and expressing optimism about future collaborations.
JD Vance with entrepreneur Jiten Agarwal. / Courtesy/Jiten Agarwal
Indian American technology entrepreneur Jiten Agarwal, alongside other prominent Americans, hosted a high-profile fundraiser for the Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance in Houston recently.
The event, which drew over 300 invitation-only guests, took place ahead of the Nov. 2024 election. Among the attendees were U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Vance himself.
Agarwal, an advocate of capitalism, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current administration's policies. He cited “concerns” about inflation, immigration, energy prices, law enforcement, and foreign policy.
He said, “I always support capitalism and have almost no appreciation for the policies of liberals leaning towards the extreme left, especially profligate spending that has produced the highest inflation in 40 years”.
Agarwal criticized the Biden administration's handling of immigration and law enforcement, stating, "A weak foreign policy has emboldened America’s foes. Switching Biden for another progressive candidate, be it Kamala Harris, is not going to solve the problem. Hence, I am supporting the candidates on the Republican presidential ticket."
He added, "Centrist or right-leaning policies will be beneficial to American businesses and people."
Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance, a former marine and Yale Law School graduate now serving as a U.S. Senator from Ohio. / Courtesy/Jiten AgarwalAgarwal noted that this was the first time he met Vance. He said, “There are a lot of misgivings about him in the media. I have met with many political personalities over the last several years, and my assessment is that JD Vance is a wonderful person. He is very knowledgeable about domestic and foreign policies, the border crisis in the U.S., the fentanyl crisis, the economy, inflation, and U.S.-India relations, a subject close to my heart."
During the event, JD Vance spoke about his evolving views on former President Donald Trump. He recounted a conversation during Trump’s presidency where a businessperson complained about the difficulty in finding cheap labor due to restrictions on illegal immigration..
Vance pondered, before praising Trump’s policies that he felt brought "peace and prosperity" to the nation. He said, “There was no major conflict during the Trump administration, and America was on a path to prosperity until the pandemic hit. When Vance realized it, he changed his opinion on President Trump."
Vance also discussed U.S.-India relations, emphasizing the shared values between the two nations and expressed optimism about future collaborations. "India is a great ally of the USA as both countries share a lot of similar values," Vance said.
He praised India’s growth and potential, particularly in manufacturing, and stressed the importance of countering China’s influence in the region. "If we win, we are going to strengthen U.S.-India relations way further and see how both countries can help and benefit not only each other with trade, defense, and energy but other nations in India’s vicinity as well," Vance added, noting his personal connection to India through his wife, Usha.
Addressing the current economic situation and inflation, Vance advocated for increased domestic energy production and advocated for the “drill drill drill” strategy.
He said, “If America can produce cheap energy, then manufacturing and many other things will become cheaper. Alternative energy is good, but one cannot expect to get away with all the natural resources such as oil and gas and replace it with inadequate expensive energy options."
On the status of the presidential race, Vance expressed confidence in the Republican ticket’s chances and cited the economic challenges faced by American households and dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The event drew over 300 invitation-only guests. / Courtesy/Jiten Agarwal
"Republicans have all the right ingredients to lead the country and fix the issues our country is facing," he stated.
Vance also promoted his book, Hillbilly Elegy, which offers a candid look at his upbringing in a struggling Rust Belt town. The book, published in 2016, was later adapted into a Netflix film. "I get a dollar per sold copy of the book so it is a great way to raise funds," he joked and encouraged the attendees to support his literary work.
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