Posters featuring Donald Trump and the slogan “Happy Birthday America!” have appeared on auto-rickshaws in New Delhi as part of a U.S. Embassy campaign [1].
The initiative uses high-visibility public transport to promote the United States' upcoming semiquincentennial. By placing American imagery on the streets of India's capital, the campaign seeks to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations [2].
The rollout began on May 20 [3]. The campaign leads up to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on July 4 [1]. Approximately 100 auto-rickshaws are currently adorned with the posters [4].
“The ‘Happy Birthday America’ campaign marks the United States’ 250th year of independence and underscores our growing partnership with India,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said [2].
The campaign utilizes the unique nature of Delhi's traffic to ensure the celebratory message reaches a wide audience. The portrait of Donald Trump serves as a focal point of the visual display on the vehicles [1].
Emily Patel, a U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer, said, “We’re excited to bring a piece of American celebration to the streets of Delhi” [3].
While the primary goal is the anniversary celebration, the campaign also serves a diplomatic purpose. Some reports indicate the effort is intended to improve U.S.–India relations following recent disputes over tariffs [2].
“Approximately 100 auto-rickshaws are currently adorned with the posters.”
The use of auto-rickshaws, a staple of urban Indian mobility, represents a strategic shift toward grassroots public diplomacy. By blending American political imagery with local culture, the U.S. Embassy is attempting to project soft power and repair diplomatic friction through a high-visibility celebratory event.
