Filipino American's public journey from conservative Republican to Democratic candidate for Congress

George Conway

The political metamorphosis of George Conway  from a lifelong conservative Republican to a Democratic congressional candidate has been driven primarily by his vehement opposition to Donald Trump.

On December 22, 2025, the man who once spent his days in the halls of the Federalist Society officially filed paperwork to run for Congress as a Democrat. He’s aiming for New York’s 12th District, looking to fill the shoes of the retiring Jerry Nadler in what is arguably the bluest slice of the Big Apple.

“I’m going into the arena. I’ve already put my money where my mouth is, but now it’s time to lay it all on the line,” Conway wrote in a social media post Monday before filing his papers.

Conway was a staunch Republican and a member of the right-wing Federalist Society for decades. His political journey isn’t just a political pivot; it’s a full-on leap across the aisle in a high-stakes battle for the nation’s soul. 

In the 1990s, he worked on conservative legal efforts including the lawsuit by Paula Jones against President Bill Clinton.

He initially supported Trump's 2016 campaign and was considered for several high-level Department of Justice positions, including Solicitor General. Conway turned them down, later describing the early Trump administration as a "sh*tshow in a dumpster fire." He began to see the administration not as a conservative movement, but as a "personality cult" that he could no longer support.

Personal toll

His political disagreements with his then-wife, Kellyanne Conway, who was serving as one of Trump's senior advisors, became more public. In 2018, Conway officially left the Republican Party, calling it a "personality cult." 

In her 2022 memoir Here’s the Deal, Kellyanne described George’s constant social media attacks on her boss as a betrayal of their marriage vows. She famously referred to his behavior as "cheating by tweeting."

The high-profile nature of the Conways' disagreement placed significant strain on their relationship. Trump himself frequently mocked the marriage, calling George a "whack job" and "husband from hell," which Kellyanne defended as him "punching back."

The couple's daughter, Claudia Conway, also publicly documented family tensions on TikTok, which added further media scrutiny to their private life. 

In August 2020, both George and Kellyanne announced they were stepping away from their professional roles (the Lincoln Project and the White House, respectively) to focus on their family, but observers noted the damage was already "too far gone." In 2023, the couple divorced.

Anti-Trump activism

 He co-founded The Lincoln Project in 2019 to persuade disaffected Republicans to vote against Trump. The project's social media advertisements are hard-hitting and most of all, they are highly irritable to Trump.

So, what exactly pushed a lifelong conservative to trade his GOP card for a Democratic primary ticket? It wasn't just one moment, but a series of "dumpster fire" realizations.

After initially being considered for top DOJ posts, Conway turned them down, later describing the early Trump administration as a "sh*tshow in a dumpster fire". He began to see the administration not as a conservative movement, but as a "personality cult" that he could no longer support.

A major trigger was the 2018 appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general. Conway broke cover, co-authoring a New York Times op-ed arguing the move was unconstitutional. This led him to organize Checks and Balances, a group of conservative lawyers sounding the alarm on Trump's "betrayal of bedrock legal norms."

He became known for questioning Trump's mental fitness, later launching the Anti-Psychopath PAC in 2024 to highlight perceived dangers of a second Trump term.

By late 2024 and 2025, Conway’s alignment with Democratic causes became formal and total. In 2024, he donated nearly $930,000 to the Biden Victory Fund and actively campaigned for Kamala Harris.

Conway didn't just disagree with policy; he became convinced of Trump’s psychological unfitness. He co-founded The Lincoln Project to keep Trump from the White House and, in 2024, launched the Anti-Psychopath PAC to keep the spotlight on the perceived dangers of "Trumpism."

Running as a Democrat

Conway's Filipino heritage is through his mother, who was a chemist from the Philippines, while his father was an engineer; He grew up near Boston, attending Marlborough High School, graduating with honors from Harvard College (biochemistry), and earning his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he led the Federalist Society. 

He clerked for a federal judge, then joined the prestigious law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, becoming a partner by his mid-30s. 

Apparently, the event that made him decide to leave the sidelines and enter the political ring was his frustration with Senate Democrats who "caved" during government reopening negotiations in late 2025. Feeling the need for more "fearless" fighters in the arena, he decided to run himself, aiming to act as a legal "wingman" for Democrats like Jamie Raskin.

Conway is now entering a crowded primary field that includes names like Jack Schlossberg (JFK's grandson), but his message is clear: he’s gone from defending the conservative line to a "seasoned fighter" for democracy.

He describes himself as "going into the arena" to protect the rule of law and constitutional principles, which he believes the current Republican Party has abandoned.

“We need Democrats to take over Congress — and not just any Democrats, but the most fearless and relentless ones,” Conway wrote in social media prior to filing his candidacy. “The next two years will show us exactly how much lawlessness Republicans will accept. Doing nothing is the same as saying yes.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Adidas offering a shoe designed by and for Filipinos

International shoemaker Adidas recognizes the market impact of trendsetting Filipinos.

You know the old saying: "If the shoe fits, wear it." At last, Filipinos will be able to wear it ... with pride.

For years we’ve watched global brands tap designers representing every corner of the world—and rightly so. But here in the US, where Filipino Americans are one of the largest Asian American groups, we’ve been waiting for our turn in the spotlight.

Well, it’s here. German sportswear giant Adidas has finally linked up with a Filipino label, Proudrace, for a limited-edition capsule collection that’s hitting the streets right now. This isn't just a sneaker drop; it's a cultural nod to the Pinoy experience.

The collection, driven by Proudrace creative director Rik Rasos, focuses on the classic Adidas Jabbar Lo—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's first signature shoe from way back—and includes two graphic t-shirts. The whole thing is infused with a deep sense of Filipino nostalgia that anyone from the diaspora can immediately appreciate.

Co-founder and creative director of Proudrace, Rik Rasos says in a social media post that the call from Adidas Philippines was a surprise. “Adidas Philippines reached out and invited me to present a design to their global team,” he says. What began as an invitation quickly transformed into a full-scale collaboration. “To my surprise and absolute excitement, the global team selected my concept. That set everything in motion.”

The process, Rasos explains, was conscientious. “What followed was a full year of research and development, plus rounds of sampling. Each step sharpening the vision. And now, after all that work, the collaboration has finally come to fruition.” Rasos views the project as an opportunity to introduce Filipino design to the world.

The Details that Matter

Rasos didn't just slap a logo on a shoe. He dug deep into his personal memories to weave authentic Filipino elements into the design. This is representation at its best.Lace Curtains: The iconic three stripes on the side of the shoe aren't just solid lines. They have a subtle, delicate lace pattern. If you grew up in a Filipino home, you know exactly what he’s talking about—those ubiquitous lace curtains that shielded the living room from the world.

The insole design is inspired by the patterned vinyl tablecloths you see in neighborhood carinderias (eateries) all over the Philippines. A true grassroots touch.

Perhaps the most personal touch is a stamp-like patch on the tongue. It features the Proudrace logo and the words "I Miss You." Rasos shared that this is a tribute to letters his father used to send home while working overseas. It speaks to the universal story of the OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) and the deep ties that bind families across oceans.

The execution uses quality vintage suede and smooth leather lining, giving the shoe a  retro feel with a dash of California comfort.

Getting Your Hands On A Pair

The collection officially launched on November 21, 2025, and carries a retail price of around P7,000 (or about $118 USD) in the Philippines.

If you want to grab a piece of this history, it might be difficult for buyers outside of the Philippines. If you have relatives or friends in the Philippines, it would be easy for them to buy the shoes for you at select Adidas locations, on the Adidas app and website, and have them mail it to you. In the Philippines the retailers that serve the Filipino community, including Commonwealth, Foot Locker, Atmos, and Titan are suuposed to have the shoes.

The media has been solid, with features in Vogue Philippines, Preview.ph, and Garage Magazine, all acknowledging this moment as a historic first for a Filipino designer collaborating with the global sportswear giant.

These shoes aren't just sneakers; they are wearable art that celebrates Filipino identity, creativity, and history, turning local pride into global statements, say Rappler and Garage.

It might not feel like a big deal, but for Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world, it is a moment of pride for Filipinos. Go get 'em while you can. You know what they say, "If the shoe fits ...."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Chinese American wins 'Survivor' and $1-million

CBS

Former TV news anchor Savannah Louie is the Sole Survivor of the reality show.

When the dust settled on the 49th season of Survivor this week, Chinese American Savannah Louie, a familiar face to news junkies in Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Antonio emerged as the Sole Survivor and winner of $1 million.

Louie, the 31-year-old former broadcast journalist, didn't just win; she carved her name into the show's history books with a performance that was as much about grit as it was about grace.

Louie took the title on December 17, in a 5–2–1 jury vote, besting fellow finalists Sophi Balerdi and Sage Ahrens-Nichols. It was a historic night, marking the first all-female Final Three in over a decade.

Savannah’s path to the $1 million prize was paved with physical dominance. She tied the all-time record for individual immunity wins by a woman in a single season, snagging the necklace four times. But it was her strong "Tres Leches" alliance and a high-stakes fire-making victory over her closest ally, Rizo Velovic, that ultimately punched her ticket to the Final Tribal Council.

Before she was dodging tribal councils, Savannah was a well-traveled rising star of TV news. A native of Walnut Creek, California, she earned her journalism degree from Southern Methodist University in 2016. Her career took her from Knoxville to KENS 5 in San Antonio and KSDK in St. Louis before she landed at Atlanta News First (WANF) in 2021.

She left the WANF news desk in September 2024, citing a need for better work-life balance. It turns out that "balance" included a lifelong dream: competing on Survivor, a goal she had pursued since first applying at age 17. she described living out this dream as "surreal" and felt "full of gratitude".

"My decision to pursue journalism was fueled by an intention to make the world a better place," she told People. "We can’t foster change in our community without being aware of WHAT is going on in our community."

According to her LinkedIn account, she now works as a marketing content specialist at Hyperdrive Leadership.

Savannah credited her journalism background for her win, noting that years of getting people to "open up and share their personal stories" prepared her for the social gymnastics of Fiji.

Asian American winners of Survivor include Yul Kwon (Season 13: Cook Islands), who was the first, followed by Natalie Anderson (Season 29: San Juan del Sur, of Sri Lankan descent), and Erika Casupanan (Season 41, of Filipino descent), who was the first Canadian and Filipino winner,  and Rachel LaMont, winner of the 47th season. Survivor is the popular reality competition where contestants are stranded in a remote location, divided into tribes, and compete in challenges for rewards and immunity, all while forming alliances and voting each other out until only one person remains to win $1 million.

And if you haven't seen enough of her, don't worry. CBS has already confirmed that Savannah along with her key ally, Rizo Velovic, will return for the landmark Survivor Season 50: In the Hands of the Fans. Season 50 will feature fans' favorite players from previous seasons and set to premiere on February 25, 2026.

Being cast for Season 50 came with a load of criticicsm from fans who felt Season 49 contestants were not "legendary" enough. "To the haters out there, I’ll just say, you know, just wait," Savannah told The Hollywood Reporter. "See how things turn out. After you watch 50, if you really feel that strongly that the two 49ers shouldn’t be included, that is totally your prerogative, but don’t knock anything before you see what happens, OK? Have a little fun with it. Don’t be such a downer and a negative Nancy."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Poll: Trump policies are turning the American Dream into a nightmare

As 2025 winds down, the "American Dream" is starting to look more like a recurring nightmare for the millions of immigrants who call this country home. Usually brimming with hope and optimistic outlooks, immigrants report rising fear, increasing negative outlooks economically and healthcare.

A new KFF/New York Times Survey of Immigrants reveals deepening anxiety and fear among immigrants of all statuses amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement and restrictive policies. For our AANHPI community, these aren’t just statistics; they are the aunties, uncles, and cousins living in the shadows of the San Gabriel Valley or the high-tech corridors of Jersey City and Silicon Valley.

In the first year of Trump’s second term, the comprehensive  survey revealed a community under significant strain, characterized by widespread fear, economic instability, and worsening health.

While most immigrants still value their decision to move to the US, a growing majority (60%) believe the country is no longer the "great place for immigrants" it once was.

The survey paints a portrait of families under strain—where fear of detention and economic instability are negatively impacting immigrants’ health and reshaping immigrant families’ daily lives and views of US political parties.

The partnership survey builds on KFF’s groundbreaking work surveying immigrants over the past few years, including a 2023 survey in partnership with the Los Angeles Times, a 2024 survey during the presidential election cycle, and a survey earlier this year that was paired with a focus group report on the experiences of undocumented immigrant families. As of June 2025, there were 51.9 million immigrants living in the U.S.

FYI: Access the full survey reports and methodologies on the KFF Survey of Immigrants series page.

 Findings from the new survey are detailed in three KFF reports and help inform the reporting in a package of news stories released by the New York Times. One KFF report focuses on the worries and experiences of immigrants amid increased immigration enforcement, a second examines the political views of immigrant voters, and a third probes the health and health care experiences of immigrants.

The survey finds that more than one in five (22%) immigrants personally know someone arrested, detained, or deported for immigration-related reasons since the president’s return to office—nearly triple the share from April 2025. Forty-one percent of immigrants now fear they or a family member could be detained or deported, up sharply from 26% in 2023. Fear has increased the most among lawfully present immigrants and naturalized citizens, indicating that growing unease is not confined to those who are undocumented.

About half of immigrants – across all statuses – report feeling less safe since the president’s second term began. Three in ten immigrants say they or a family member avoid traveling, working, going to other public spaces, or seeking medical care because of fear of enforcement since January. Among likely undocumented immigrants, this avoidance rises to three in four. More than half of immigrants (53%) lack confidence they would be treated fairly if detained.

About one in ten eligible US voters today are naturalized citizens. In the current climate, nearly six in ten immigrant voters say their views on the Trump administration’s immigration policies have had an impact on which political party they support — including over four in ten who say they have had a “major impact.”

When immigrant voters are asked to describe how the administration’s immigration policies have impacted which party they support, a larger share express views that reflect negative views of these policies or a shift away from Republicans (36%) than express views in support of these policies or the Republican party (19%).

Among other key findings:

• Most immigrants still say their own lives are better for coming to the U.S., and most would come again. But while about one-third say the U.S. is a great place for immigrants, nearly twice as many (60%) say the country used to be a great place for immigrants, but that’s no longer true.

• About half of immigrants report struggling to pay for housing, food, or health care—up from 31% in 2023. Many say it’s become harder to earn a living since January.

• 29% of Asian immigrants in 2025 reported worrying that they or a family member could be detained or deported, more than doubling from 14% in 2023.

• Data shows that 6% of Asian immigrants avoided applying for assistance programs due to immigration-related fears in 2025.

• Approximately 8% of Asian immigrants were reported as uninsured in 2025.

• A majority of Asian immigrants (54%) say their safety is better since moving to the US, though this is lower than the overall immigrant average of 65%.

Impacting health

Four in ten (40%) immigrant adults overall and nearly eight in ten (77%) likely undocumented immigrants say they have experienced negative health impacts since January 2025 due to immigration-related worries. These include increased stress, anxiety, or sadness; problems sleeping or eating; and/or worsening health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. About one in five (18%) immigrant parents say that their child’s well-being has been impacted due to immigration-related worries since January 2025.

The share of immigrant adults who reported skipping or postponing health care in the past 12 months increased from 22% to 29% between 2023 and 2025. Among those who went without care, about one in five (19%) say it was due to immigration-related concerns. 

About three in ten (30%) immigrant parents say that any of their children delayed or skipped health care in the past 12 months due to immigration-related fears, cost or lack of insurance, and/or not being able to find services at a convenient time or location, rising to about six in ten (58%) of parents who are likely undocumented.

The Political Pivot

The most telling part of this new reality is how it’s reshaping the immigrant vote. About 60% of immigrant voters say these aggressive enforcement actions have fundamentally changed how they view the political parties.

While there is a nuanced split on border security, there is a loud, clear rejection of Trump's more radical proposals. A staggering 80% of immigrant voters—including many in our Asian American neighborhoods—are standing firmly against "third-country" deportations and the push to end birthright citizenship.

The message from the 2025 KFF survey is clear: the welcome mat has been pulled out from under immigrants. For the first time in recent memory, a majority of immigrants (60%) believe the US is no longer a great place for those seeking a new life.

Despite the Trump-instigated hardships facing immigrants, most immigrants said that if they had to make that decision to leave their home countries to come to the US, they would do it all over again. Such is the power of the American dream and the opportunities it offers.

In essence, while the aspiration for a better life remains a powerful motivator for coming to America, the actual path to achieving that dream has become significantly more challenging and less certain for many.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

An infamous swear curse becomes a rallying cry of Filipino pride

Filipino American rapper Ruby Ibarra joins the PTI challenge.
Follow her work on her Instagram page.

My mom would have washed my mouth out with soap if I said the expletive, "Putang Ina," shorthand for "Putang Ina mo," (Literally, "Your mother is a whore," but when you spit it out, it is used in the same context as the English "mother f****r").

WHen Filipino tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala made history with her first-round victory in the US Open, it wasn't just her killer serve that set social media on fire. It was what some fans claim was a very spicy, split-second, post-point expression caught on camera.

We’re talking about a viral clip that has everyone hitting replay. After a heart-stopping rally in the third set against Denmark's Clara Tauson, the cameras zoomed in just as Eala appeared to mouth a word that sounded a lot like "Putang ina" or maybe even just the infamous "Puta".

The internet, naturally, has zero chill. The debate is raging harder than an Eala forehand: was it a genuine, heat-of-the-moment curse, a classic Filipino expression of surprise, or maybe just a misheard "muntik na" ("almost did")?

And get this—the drama has totally spilled over into the music scene in the Philippines and in the US! The clip is everywhere, with Filipino singers and even local hip-hop artists sampling the moment, creating memes, and giving the expletive a whole new meaning. Forget tennis commentary, we're talking about a new track inspired by a US Open hot mic moment!

The roots of the song began before Eala's historic US Open victory. “PTI” didn’t start off as the war cry for the people it is now. It started off as a swaggy, Filipino pride track," says Carl Angelo, a rapper based in Los Angeles.

The song became a collaboration among Filipino American hip-hop artists in California. Morobeats’ Miss A, Yamz, Talilo and David Ira, were brought in. Ruby Ibarra, fresh off her Little Desk tour for NPR, was brought in. The track pays homage to both Filipino and rap culture.

Then Eala won her match at the US Open and uttered the curse. It went viral and the song exploded all over social media. Eala isn't just making waves in tennis; she's officially gone mainstream cultural icon, one controversial syllable at a time. This is the kind of crossover content we live for!

Eala's US Open clip and the subsequent discussion have been widely shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram by Filipino artists, media pages, and community groups, amplifying the conversation and leading to various interpretations and memes.

FYI: You can listen to the PTI track on Spotify

A number of Filipino and Filipino Amereican hip-hop artists and singers have notably commented on and even been inspired by the viral clip. The word in the clip, often shortened from "Putang Ina," has been reclaimed by some artists as a rallying cry for Filipino pride rather than a mere curse word.

Filipino American rapper Ruby Ibarra is featured on a track titled "PTI" (short for "Putang Ina"), which uses the expletive as a statement of pride, rage, and community for Filipinos across the world. The song's cover art even spotlights tennis prodigy  Eala, acknowledging the viral moment as the inspiration for its title.

Eala has never admitted to saying it but you don't have to be a lip reader to see Eala mouthed a "P", not an "M" in her spontaneous outburst of disbelief.

A snippet of Eala's soundbite even opens the track, and she is featured on the song's cover art. 

At least one independent artist, Ravenson Biason, was inspired to write a song titled "Vaporwave Hero" dedicated to Eala as a sign of support and national pride, though this was a direct tribute rather than a commentary on the "puta" moment specifically.
The incident has generally led to a broader cultural conversation among Filipino artists and the community about national pride and the various meanings and contexts of the Tagalog phrase.

FYI: The Carl Angelo PTI Challenge is an open-verse rap challenge started by Filipino American rapper Carl Angelo for his hit single "PTI," inviting artists (Filipino or not) to spit a verse over the instrumental, share it online, and tag him to get reposted, celebrating Filipino culture and Hip Hop while reclaiming a Filipino slang term as a rallying cry for artistry and identity.

Eala's authentic exclamation went viral, sparking a national conversation about authenticity, pressure, and just being human under the global spotlight.

Around the same time, the Philippines was rocked by major anti-corruption protests. The swear word is being used as a powerful and defiant rallying cry to express rage, frustration, and condemnation against government corruption, injustice, and political figures, most notably by Vice Ganda directed at the allegedly crooked politicians.

Ganda is a wildly popular and influential Filipino comedian, actor, singer, host, and entrepreneur, known for his flamboyant personality, hit movies and songs, and as a mainstay on the daytime variety show "It's Showtime". He is a major LGBTQ+ icon, a top-earning celebrity, and a powerful force in Philippine entertainment, often called "The Phenomenon" due to his massive success and cultural impact.

The song was always intended to be a "swaggy, Filipino pride track," but these moments solidified its purpose. It's about taking shared struggles and flipping them into collective strength. It unites the Filipino diaspora, from the streets of Manila to L.A. parking lots,  in an unapologetic stand against colonial and political forces who prefer to dilute the power of the people to challenge the powers-that-be.

In the US, the FilAm rappers are using their voices and in particular, "PTI," to tackle serious issues of identity and the challenges facing the Filipino American community through art. The chant is considered a bold and expressive way to challenge authority, as using such language in public discourse pushes boundaries and amplifies the protesters' message against those in power, against the status quo.

Angelo reflected on how real-world events, from Alex Eala’s historic US Open win to Vice Ganda’s fiery protest chant, gave new meaning to the song’s message. Even my mom might have agreed with that.

“We may not have started off as a war cry, but we ended it that way,” Angelo says in an Instagram post.

For Angelo, “PTI” represents every shade of being Filipino – whether you’re “a non-Tagalog speaking, super American Filipino kid” or “a modern-day, tattooed head-to-toe tribal warrior proud of your heritage,” he posts on social media.

“Nobody is more or less Filipino than anybody,” Angelo emphasized. “Once we realize AND accept that we’re all different, we’ll realize we’re actually in unison. We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but one thing is for sure — ‘Putang Ina’ means something to all of us.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Trump's preference for Europeans and ban vs. Asian and African immigrants is pure racism

As difficult as Donald Trump's Asian American supporters hate to admit, but Trump is a full-blown racist. He doesn't even try to hide it anymore.

Proving that he learned precisely nothing from the 2018 firestorm. Reeling from polls saying most Americans say Donald Trump is the worst US President in history. He had to shore up his base, his hardcore MAGA cultists, so at a rally on December 10, 2025, the Trump, doubled down on his latest immigration demands by resorting to the well of xenophobia and racism.

When a supporter helpfully fed him his favorite derogatory phrase, Trump gleefully repeated his infamous 2018 comments: "Why is it that we only take people from s---hole countries? Why can't we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few, let us have a few, from Denmark ... send us some nice people, do you mind?"

He wasn't done, either. He then called Somalia "filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime," continuing his pattern of conflating entire nations and their people with societal ills.

His comments came as the administration implements an effective freeze on all immigration applications from 19 nations, several of which are in Asia: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Turkmenistan. 

Turkmenistan? What did Turksenistan, one of least touristy nor visited countries in the world, do to offend Trump and get on list of banned immigrants?

Notice a pattern here? The countries Trump wants fewer people from are overwhelmingly Black and brown nations, while those he name-drops as "nice" are predominantly white.

Trump's behavior is nothing new. He has a long history of actions and speech that many have described as racist or sympathetic to white supremacist tropes, including"

• Accusations include a 1973 lawsuit alleging housing discrimination against Black renters, 

• His promotion of the "birther" conspiracy theory about President Obama, and his statement during his 2016 campaign launch about immigrants from Mexico being criminals and rapists.

• Following a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017, Trump stated there was "blame on both sides" and "very fine people" among the protesters.

• In 2019, he told congresswomen of color to "go back" to their countries, which the House of Representatives condemned as racist.

• He also used racialized language like "Chinese virus" for COVID-19, which critics argued fueled xenophobia and attacks against Asian Americans.

These instances contribute to ongoing public and academic discussion about Trump's views on race and their effect on American politics and race relations.

 A shift back to the left

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 19 percent of non-white Trump voters regretted their decision in late 2025, a significantly higher percentage than the 5 percent of white Trump voters who expressed regret. This suggests a notable portion of Asian American voters may be included in this group.

The same poll noted that many minority voters had mixed feelings, with some still hoping for promised economic benefits and others being alienated by Trump's racist rhetoric or actions.

Some Asian Americans who supported Trump's general immigration crackdown were surprised or dismayed to learn that his plans included restrictions on legal immigration pathways like H-1B visas and family reunification policies, which many in their communities rely on.

Some voters expressed general disappointment with Trump's job performance, even if they did not fully regret their initial vote, often feeling he did not deliver on economic promises.

It's racism, plain and simple

Let's not mince words: Trump's rhetoric is a classic example of using racially coded language to advocate for a white-centric immigration policy. By framing a preference for Norwegians and Danes over Afghanis, Laotians, Somalis and Haitians, Trump is clearly promoting a race-based, white-supremacist view of who is "worthy" of coming to America.

As an Asian American, and technically a first-generation immigrant to boot, it hits close to home. The "model minority" myth often shields us from the crude public slurs directed at Black or Latinx communities, but policies like these — and the underlying sentiment that only certain (read: white) immigrants are "nice people" — remind us that our status is conditional. Our families came here seeking a better life, contributing greatly to this country, just as immigrants from these 19 nations have been doing for generations.

To suggest that people from these countries are inherently lesser than those from Scandinavia isn't just "frustration over security issues," as some defenders claim; it's a deeply troubling display of racism and xenophobia. The international community called out the original comments as racist in 2018, and they are no less racist today.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

AANHPI nominees for Golden Globe awards and the Big Snub

Golden Globe nominee Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in "The Smashing Machine."

OPINION

Well, here we are again. Another awards season kicks off, another round of Golden Globe nominations announced, and yet again we're left asking: Where's the AANHPI love?

It seems the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (or whatever they call themselves these days) is sticking to their old script. We get a token nod here, a "snub" that screams louder than a Mariah Carey high note there. It's the same story, different year. The "edge" of inclusion is apparently still a cliff they are afraid to jump off.

Let's break down the hits and, more importantly, the misses.

Who Got In?

Lee Byung-hun managed to break through the white noise, snagging a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his work in

No Other Choice. A win is a win, and we'll take it. But does one man make a movement?

Dwayne Johnson is a surprise nominee, but maybe this is Hollywood's way of showing an appreciation for his box office hits and popular appeal. He  foregoes his usual cinematic wisecfracking persona and gets serious as martial artist Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, a gritty biopic that sidesteps cliché earning him a nomination as Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama.

We saw a couple of mentions in the animation and music categories:

KPop Demon Hunters earned a couple of nods: Best Animated Feature, and a song from that film, "Golden," the song from 

Wicked: For Good

, got a Best Original Song nomination. Good for them, but these categories often feel like the "kids' table" of the awards circuit when we're talking major industry recognition.

Perhaps animated AANHPI characters are easier to accept for the Hollywood denizens than live actors.

The Snubs Heard 'Round Hollywood

Here's where the real story is. The one that makes you shake your head and wonder if these voters even watch the same movies as the rest of us. Jon M. Chu, the man behind the camera for the mega-hit Wicked: For Good, was left out of the Best Director race. 

A massive blockbuster with critical buzz and strong performances from its leads (Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who did get nominations) is apparently not "directing" enough for the Globes. The film itself was also shut out of the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category. 

It's a snub that is, frankly, hard to defend and typical of the industry's blind spot for AANHPI creative talent at the highest level.

In addition, Hailee Steinfeld was left out of the supporting actress nominations for her role in Sinners, a film that received seven nominations.

AANHPI representation this year is better than last year when there were no AANHPI actors nominees. There's definitely room for improvement.

Hollywood's systemic bias

As awards season rolls into high gear, Asian and Asian American actors and projects are comparatively few and far between, according to interviews with some of Hollywood's AANHPI creatives. Despite the box office and creative success of films like Crazy Rich Asians, Everything, Everywhere All At Once, and Minari on the big screen and Shogun and Beef for TV, Hollywood's apparent commitment to diversity appears to waning.

Simu Liu has been an outspoken voice regarding diversity and inclusion in the film and TV industries, using his platform as Marvel's first Asian superhero to advocate for change.

In social media posts in November this year, Liu described the current state of Asian representation as "f***ing appalling". He noted that while Asian-led films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians, and Shang-Chi have been financially successful, studios still seem to view Asian actors as a risk.

Liu points to a "deeply prejudiced system" where white male actors can star in multiple box-office flops and still land leading roles in tentpole films, whereas Asian actors face much higher scrutiny and fewer chances.

Director Chloe Zhao could be a multi-ward winner for the Golden Globes.

Following are the AANHPI projects and actors nominated for the Golden Globes:     

Best Motion Picture – Drama

    HAMNET (directed by Chloé Zhao)

Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy

    NO OTHER CHOICE 

Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama

    Dwayne Johnson, The Smashing Machine

Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy

    Lee Byung-Hun, No Other Choice

Best Director – Motion Picture

    Chloé Zhao, Hamnet

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

    Chloé Zhao, Hamnet

 Best Motion Picture – Animated

    KPop Demon Hunters  

Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

    No Other Choice

Best Song – Motion Picture

    “Golden,” KPop Demon Hunters

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy or Television

    Kumail Nanjiani, Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts

The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony will air live on CBS on Sunday, January 11, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, and will also stream on Paramount+ in the US. The show returns to the Beverly Hilton and will once again be hosted by comedian and actress Nikki Glaser.

        FYI: For a complete list of Golden Globenominees.

The bottom line? The 2026 Golden Globes are, once again, a mixed bag. We're seeing slow, glacial progress in some areas, but the key power-player categories like directing and non-stereotypical roles remain elusive. It just goes to show, we still have a long way to go before the "edge" becomes the mainstream.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Trump cancels citizenship swearing-in ceremony

At some naturalization ceremonies like the one above, flags are handed out to the new US citizens.

It looks like the Trump administration has found another way to make life harder for immigrants, especially those from certain countries they've decided are "high-risk." The latest target? The final, joyous step of the naturalization process: the citizenship ceremony itself.

A recent Trump administration policy has led to the cancellation of naturalization oath ceremonies for some immigrants in Massachusetts and across the US. This policy specifically affects individuals who are originally from one of 19 countries deemed "high-risk."

The cancellations are a direct result of a new order from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), issued on Dec. 2, which mandated an immediate pause on all immigration applications for nationals from these specific countries as part of an effort to strengthen screening processes.

Reports out of Massachusetts describe US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers playing a real-life version of "red light, green light" at Faneuil Hall. Except, instead of a game, they were asking people their country of origin and "plucking" those from specific nations right out of line, effectively canceling their long-awaited moment to become US citizens. 

This is a direct result of a new USCIS memo, issued on December 2, 2025, that mandates a total freeze on applications for nationals from 19 identified countries to allow for "strengthened screening." Mind you, many of these individuals had already jumped through every hoop the system put in front of them, some after decades of legal residency. This isn't about security; it's about cruelty and creating a system "stacked against immigrants of color."

This blanket policy is a slap in the face to due process and an affront to America's  guiding principle that immigrants make this country better.

Here are the 19 countries impacted by this discriminatory order, including several in Asia: 

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Burundi

• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Cuba
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Laos
• Libya
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Yemen

Advocacy groups like the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) are calling it what it is: un-American. They are among the legal advocates exploring challenges, arguing the policy violates basic due process and treats people as security risks based solely on where they were born, not their individual merits or security history.

 "The administration’s exploitation of the tragedy to push xenophobic policies is misguided and cruel. These new policies fuel racial animus and seek to vilify many based on the alleged actions of one," states AAAJ in a press release.  

“The United States was founded on the principles of protecting and accepting immigrants seeking safety, opportunity, and liberty from oppression. The new constraints victimize immigrants going through the legal immigration process, especially endangering those seeking asylum and refuge from life-threatening conditions in their countries of origin." 

The AAAJ statement continues: “Individuals with canceled naturalization ceremonies and green card interviews have followed the rules and waited years for the immigration process to play out. Others who have already received benefits will now have to fear losing their status. ... In addition, needlessly re-reviewing applications worsens immigration case backlog and will strain government resources."  

In the meantime, the customary flag-waving at previous events will have to wait. People's dreams and hopes of becoming US citizens , a process that takes years, were suddenly crushed. Instead of celebrating, they find themselves  in a legal limbo, being told they'll get more info via a separate notice.

This policy, effective Dec. 2, requires all nationals from these countries with pending applications to undergo a thorough re-review process, including potential re-interviews, which has caused immediate delays and cancellations of previously scheduled ceremonies.

The message is clear: the administration is determined to put up as many barriers as possible for people they deem undesirable. The fight for human rights is constant, and this is just the latest battleground.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.