Rep. Shri Thanedar rebukes Dinesh D’Souza for mocking his Indian heritage and accent

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) fired back at conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, who publicly mocked the congressman’s accent and Indian heritage after Thanedar introduced articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

In a video posted on X on April 29, D’Souza criticized Thanedar’s introduction of articles of impeachment, calling his English “broken” and claiming he only succeeded in the U.S. because of diversity initiatives.

“If this guy lived in India, he would be a municipal clerk or waiter,” D’Souza wrote. “Here he thrives because of diversity.”

He added, “On the Left, his broken English and semi-illiterate solecisms are seen as positive traits. We need fewer people like him in this country.”

“I did grow up in India. My dad was a clerk,” Thanedar wrote on social media in response. “Then I found my American Dream. Now I’m helping many other Americans achieve their dreams.”

He followed with a pointed jab at D’Souza’s criminal record: “If you need help recovering from your felony, please let me know. Happy to help.”

In 2014, D’Souza was convicted of making illegal campaign contributions through the use of straw donors. He was pardoned by Trump in 2008.

Thanedar’s son, Neil Thanedar, also joined the rebuttal, defending his father’s background and legacy: “He did live in India as a kid. Then he worked multiple jobs while graduating from college by 18, then made it to America, then started multiple businesses, then employed hundreds of Americans, then became a US Congressman.”

When D’Souza responded, “So what makes me just a felon?” — referencing his own achievements including writing bestsellers and working in the White House — Neil replied: “Your books and movies spew hate. You get conservative jobs and can’t keep them. The biggest award you’ve earned is a pardon. So, yes, felon goes first.”

“Stop trolling successful Americans for views,” he added.

The exchange followed Thanedar’s April 28 announcement of seven articles of impeachment against President Trump. The resolution, which cited obstruction of justice, bribery and unconstitutional actions, drew immediate controversy within the Democratic Party.

Reps. Jerry Nadler, Robin Kelly and Kweisi Mfume — initially listed as co-sponsors — withdrew their names from the measure within 24 hours. A spokesperson for Mfume said, “He was made aware it was not cleared by Democratic leadership and not fully vetted legally — and he preferred to err on the side of caution.”

Though the resolution is unlikely to gain traction in a GOP-controlled Congress, it has placed Thanedar at the center of both political and cultural backlash.