US Embassy Launches Trump Rickshaws in Delhi

About 100 auto-rickshaws carrying large images of President Donald Trump and the Statue of Liberty have appeared on New Delhi streets as part of a U.S. Embassy campaign tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence. The campaign uses the slogan “Happy Birthday America!” and was rolled out by the U.S. mission in India under Ambassador Sergio Gor. Embassy documents show the effort was planned as part of its “Freedom 250” programming ahead of July 4, 2026. ### Why are Trump’s face and U.S. symbols showing up on Delhi rickshaws? The U.S. Embassy in India says July 4, 2026 will mark 250 years of American independence, and its Freedom 250 page presents the anniversary as a global diplomatic and public-outreach effort. In New Delhi, the embassy chose auto-rickshaws — a common form of city transport and advertising space — as one vehicle for that celebration. (apnews.com) An April 10, 2026 solicitation posted by the embassy invited bids for an “Auto Rikshaw Advertising Campaign for Freedom 250 Celebration” in New Delhi. The document set an April 21 bid deadline and described the job as an embassy procurement, providing direct evidence that the campaign was officially commissioned rather than an unofficial street promotion. (in.usembassy.gov) ### How many vehicles are involved, and what do they show? Associated Press reported on May 20 that about 100 auto-rickshaws had appeared across the Indian capital in recent weeks carrying the campaign. The visuals pair Trump’s portrait with the slogan “Happy Birthday America!” and, in some versions, the Statue of Liberty. (in.usembassy.gov) Embassy-hosted artwork files published online show at least two design concepts: one centered on the Statue of Liberty and another featuring Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi together. Both versions carry the same “Happy Birthday America!” line. ### Who launched the campaign? NBC News and AP said Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador to India, unveiled the advertising push last month. (apnews.com) Gor, according to the embassy’s biography page, has served as ambassador since early 2026 after presenting his credentials in New Delhi on January 14. The embassy’s New Delhi page describes the mission as one of the largest U.S. diplomatic posts in the world. (in.usembassy.gov) That gives the campaign the character of an official embassy public-diplomacy project rather than a private promotion built around Trump’s image alone. That is an inference based on the embassy procurement record, the Freedom 250 page and the mission’s own publication of campaign artwork. (nbcnews.com) ### How are Delhi drivers and commuters reacting? AP reported that the branding stands out in a city where the backs of three-wheelers are often used for local advertising. The same report said some drivers took the posters in exchange for practical incentives, including tea or repairs to vehicle canopies, and that at least some did not know much about the message beyond recognizing Trump’s face. (in.usembassy.gov) That detail matters because it shows the campaign functioning as street-level advertising first and political symbolism second. AP attributed those on-the-ground observations to interviews with drivers in New Delhi. ### Is this part of a broader U.S. anniversary push? (economictimes.indiatimes.com) The Freedom 250 page says the embassy in India is using the 250th anniversary to highlight American history and U.S.-India ties. It also points readers to related programming, including history features and anniversary content, indicating the rickshaw campaign is one element in a wider set of events rather than a one-off stunt. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) July 4, 2026 is the fixed date at the center of the campaign. The embassy’s Freedom 250 site remains the clearest official place to watch for the next public events, statements and related programming involving the U.S. mission in India and Ambassador Sergio Gor. (in.usembassy.gov)