'We’re tearing this down…': MAGA activist's call to remove Texas Hanuman statue sparks backlash

Jesse Hughes, a YouTuber and MAGA activist, shared a photograph of the statue on X and wrote: “Btw, when we win, we are tearing this down.”

Updated on: Sep 22, 2026, 13:17:00 IST

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A US conservative YouTuber has drawn backlash after calling for the removal of a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas, with his remarks coming ahead of the US midterm elections.

The Statue of the Union, installed at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, has been at the centre of controversy since its consecration in August 2024. Some conservative groups and commentators aligned with US President Donald Trump have described the statue as “un-Christian”.

Jesse Hughes, a YouTuber and MAGA activist, shared a photograph of the statue on X and wrote: “Btw, when we win, we are tearing this down.”

Users slam Hughes

Hughes’ post drew criticism from several users on X, with some questioning his call to remove the statue and drawing comparisons with the treatment of churches in other countries.

One user wrote, “I am sure you will have no problem if we start tearing down churches all over India followed by other countries, right?”

“I am sure you will have no problem if we start tearing down churches all over India followed by other countries, Right? So please do it as Christian rice bag conversion is spreading like pests in India and we need a good reason to crush it once and for all.”

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