Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah Criticizes President Donald Trump in Social Media Post

In a recent Facebook post, Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balendra “Balen” Shah, directed sharp criticism toward U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The post, which has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, reads:

“Dear Donald J. Trump,

Thank you for making us realise our country is better than yours.

We are poor because our people are leaving our country.

You are poor that your people cannot build your country; you lazy people need rest of the world for it.

Please stop your lust (DV) slavery as well; we shall get our gems back. 

Ban rest of the world from your country, and let the world grow.”

Mayor Shah’s remarks appear to address issues of immigration and the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) program, suggesting that while Nepal faces challenges due to emigration, the United States relies on foreign talent to sustain its growth. The term “DV slavery” likely refers to the perception that the DV program entices skilled individuals away from their home countries, contributing to a brain drain.

This is not the first time Mayor Shah has utilized social media to voice his opinions on international matters. Known for his candid and often provocative posts, he has previously engaged in social media debates concerning global political figures and policies.

Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has been serving as the Mayor of Kathmandu since May 2022. Before his tenure as mayor, Shah was recognized as a prominent rapper, music composer, poet, and structural engineer in Nepal. His unexpected victory as an independent candidate in the 2022 local elections marked a significant shift in Kathmandu’s political landscape.

The recent post has sparked diverse reactions among netizens. While some praise Mayor Shah for his bold stance and for highlighting the challenges faced by developing nations due to emigration, others criticize the tone and content of his message, viewing it as undiplomatic.

As of now, there has been no official response from the White House regarding Mayor Shah’s comments.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.