Hmong “Secret War” fighters
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation to formally recognize Hmong soldiers who fought alongside U.S. forces during the CIA-led “Secret War” in Laos as veterans under state law.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #57
A new poll reveals most AAPI voters are rejecting Trump’s policies, Minnesota moves to honor Hmong fighters from the CIA’s Secret War, and Suni Lee delivers an emotional tribute to her heritage and health battle. Also: a legal win over a one-minute firing in China, a landmark step in Chinese gender inclusivity, and Awkwafina’s chilling “Black Mirror” debut.
Most Asian Americans reject Trump’s policies, new poll reveals
A significant majority of AAPI adults disapprove of the Trump administration’s policies across multiple issues, according to an AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll released on April 9.
Key findings
The nationwide survey, which polled 1,182 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults from March 4-10, shows that 55% believe President Donald Trump is “mostly focusing on the wrong policies,” with only 18% saying he has his eyes on the right ones. Disapproval ratings are particularly high regarding the economy and trade (71%), managing the federal government (68%) and government spending (63%) — percentages that exceed rates among the general population.
Agency eliminations: The respondents also expressed strong opposition to proposed agency eliminations, with about seven in 10 opposing cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (69%) and Department of Education (67%). Additionally, 76% believe that Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wields too much influence over the federal government.
Immigration: On immigration issues, about half of the respondents oppose eliminating birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are on temporary work or student visas (56%) or are in the country illegally (50%). And while 43% support deporting all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, a much larger portion (83%) support deportations specifically for those convicted of violent crimes, a figure similar to the general population.
Party trust: While the respondents appear divided on which party to trust regarding economic issues, inflation and immigration, they trust Democrats more on climate change (56% vs. 15%), education (50% vs. 19%) and health reform (45% vs. 18%).
Why this matters
While most Asian Americans (54%) supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, Trump’s share (39%) grew by five points since 2020. Five months later, the latest poll’s findings highlight a significant disconnect between Trump’s priorities and the community’s concerns, a worrying sign as Asians continue to be the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the country.
A post-election poll by Puck News/Echelon Insights showed that Harris remained the Democratic voters’ top choice for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination.
Minnesota bill seeks to recognize Hmong “Secret War” fighters as state veterans
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation to formally recognize Hmong soldiers who fought alongside U.S. forces during the CIA-led “Secret War” in Laos as veterans under state law. House File 1845 proposes expanding the state's definition of "veteran" to include individuals who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos between February 28, 1961 and May 14, 1975. The bill also encompasses those naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000.
About the bill
The House bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators. If passed, the measure would grant access to select state benefits such as the Minnesota GI Bill and eligibility for the state's veterans homes. However, it would not provide access to federal benefits like VA health care.
The proposal was brought before the Minnesota Senate state government committee on Tuesday, where more than two dozen former Hmong fighters attended in uniform to witness the proceedings. Fewer than 1,000 of these veterans are estimated to still reside in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the U.S.
Remembering the “Secret War”
During the Vietnam War, the CIA recruited and trained thousands of Hmong soldiers to fight communist forces in Laos, in what became known as the “Secret War.” This covert operation was a crucial yet long-overlooked component of U.S. military strategy in Southeast Asia. Despite their sacrifices, these fighters were never granted full U.S. veteran status or access to federal veterans benefits.
In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act, easing the citizenship process for eligible Hmong and Lao veterans and their families in recognition of their service.
Advocates for the bill emphasize the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Hmong veterans. "We fought alongside the United States because we believe in its mission to defend freedom and democracy in Laos throughout Southeast Asia," said Pa Xang Vang, executive director of Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans and Families of the USA. "I urge you to recognize our service and honor our sacrifice."
Legislative considerations and next steps
While many lawmakers voiced support and appreciation, not all agreed with expanding the definition of “veteran.” Senator Andrew Lang (R, Olivia) — a member of the Minnesota National Guard who served in Iraq and Afghanistan — voiced concern. “I wholeheartedly agree with the pursuit that you're making, however I'm going to be voting against this today, and it is a tough one for me. It truly is. But I'm very protective of what that status means,” he said.
HF 1845 and its companion bill in the Senate, SF 568, are currently under committee consideration. A compromise has been introduced as part of a broader budget package that would recognize Hmong fighters as veterans of the Secret War, while limiting the benefits they would receive. Lawmakers are expected to finalize details of the spending and policy package before the legislative session ends next month.
Last month, families of Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese descent urged Minnesota lawmakers to acknowledge their communities’ contributions and historical trauma stemming from the Vietnam War and the Secret War. The call for recognition comes just a month ahead of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 30.
Suni Lee honors her Hmong heritage in emotional speech
Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee delivered a deeply personal tribute to her roots at the Apex for Youth Inspiration Awards Gala on April 10 in New York City. Speaking before a room of Asian American trailblazers, the 22-year-old star athlete reflected on her journey as the first Hmong American to win an Olympic all-around gymnastics title.
She described the challenges leading up to the 2024 Olympic trials, including her battle with a severe kidney disease that nearly ended her career. “I had to let go of fear—fear of pain, of not being enough, and failing in front of the world—and focus on what truly mattered,” she said. “I was told that I would never compete again… but I never let go of my dream.”
Lee credited her recovery and continued success to the strength of her community—especially the Hmong American legacy she carries forward. “Being a part of the Hmong community has given me pride, resilience and responsibility,” she said. Recalling her parents’ sacrifices as refugees seeking a better life, Lee emphasized the weight of their journey and the responsibility she feels to honor it. “Their work ethic, their determination, and their unwavering belief in me have taught me that no challenge is too great if you keep pushing forward.”
Her remarks underscored a broader message for Asian American youth: “It’s our job to show future generations that someone who looks like them can achieve their dreams.”
Rep. Subramanyam probes mass firings of Indian American employees at Fannie Mae
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) has launched a formal inquiry into the abrupt dismissal of hundreds of Fannie Mae employees — many of them Indian American professionals based in Northern Virginia — over alleged fraud and ethical misconduct. In a letter addressed to Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte and Fannie Mae CEO Priscilla Almodovar, Subramanyam pressed for details surrounding the terminations, which occurred without prior notice or investigation. “It has been brought to my attention that Fannie Mae has accused hundreds of my constituents in the Indian-American community of fraudulent behavior and fired them without conducting a full investigation or providing evidence,” Subramanyam stated. “I have spoken with many of these employees in our community, and they deserve due process.”
The controversy centers on Fannie Mae’s Matching Gift Program, which allows employees to double charitable donations up to $5,000 annually to pre-approved nonprofits. Many of the terminated employees had contributed to Indian American organizations listed in the program. However, some report being fired despite never participating in the program, raising concerns of broad, discriminatory action. Subramanyam, joined by fellow Indian American lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Shri Thanedar (D-MI), is seeking clarity on whether any internal investigation took place, whether employees were given a chance to respond, and whether participation in the program was improperly used as grounds for termination.
Penny Wong, San Francisco’s 1st Miss Chinatown, turns 100
Penny Wong, who made history as San Francisco’s first Miss Chinatown in 1948, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 12 with a community gathering in Millbrae. Over 100 guests attended the celebration at Hong Kong Palace, featuring lion dancers and a performance by the Grant Avenue Follies in tribute to Wong’s enduring legacy.
Wong broke barriers when she entered — and won — the inaugural pageant at a time when it was rare for Chinese American women to appear publicly in swimsuits. “I did not expect to win. I did not,” she recalled, but her win became a quiet act of defiance against racial and gender norms.
Born and raised in Chinatown and later a longtime Millbrae resident, Wong worked as a model, office staffer and co-ran the Sky Room nightclub with her late husband, Andy. Last year, she was honored with a crystal crown by senior dancers to replace her original paper one. Now a centenarian with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, she remains a symbol of empowerment for Chinese American women.
Chinese woman fired for leaving work 1 minute early wins suit against ex-employer
A woman in Guangzhou, China, has made international headlines after winning a legal battle against her former employer who fired her for leaving her desk one minute before the scheduled end of workday on six occasions.
What happened: The employee, surnamed Wang, had worked at a Guangzhou-based company for three years with what she described as a “rather good” performance record before being terminated. According to court documents, an HR manager presented Wang with screenshots from surveillance footage showing she had left her workstation one minute earlier than scheduled on six separate days during a particular month last year.
The company claimed that Wang’s actions constituted “consecutive early departures” and used these as grounds for immediate dismissal under company regulations. After getting sacked, Wang filed a complaint with local labor authorities and subsequently sued her employer.
What the court decided: A local court determined that Wang’s former company had illegally terminated her employment. Although the firm had footage of Wang’s departures, the court found that classifying leaving a minute ahead of time as “getting off early” lacked reasonableness. Additionally, judges noted that the company had never previously warned Wang about her behavior or asked her to correct it before abruptly firing her. The court ordered the company to pay Wang compensation, though the amount has not been publicly disclosed.
Why this matters: The case has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media about workplace regulations and employee rights. Liu Biyun, a local legal expert, emphasized that termination is a severe punishment that requires both legal basis and reasonable implementation. The ruling also comes amid concerns about harsh workplace policies in China, following other incidents such as a company in Anhui province that implemented “prison-style” rules prohibiting workers from using their phones or leaving company premises during work hours.
The Chinese language is evolving with a gender-inclusive pronoun
A century after introducing gendered pronouns, Chinese speakers are increasingly adopting “TA” as a gender-inclusive alternative, marking an important development in linguistic inclusivity across one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.
Historical context: Prior to the 1920s, written Chinese employed gender-neutral third-person pronouns. Linguistic historians say the character “他” (“tā”) originally served all genders until the New Culture Movement, when scholars introduced “她” (also “tā”) specifically for women while translating Western texts. This transformation gradually shifted “他” toward primarily masculine usage in contemporary writing.
Current development: A February 2024 study by linguistics researcher Janet Davey of the Australian National University (ANU) reveals that “TA” — a romanized form that preserves the common pronunciation of both gendered pronouns — has gained significant traction. Davey’s survey found nearly universal recognition of TA (97%) among queer Chinese speakers surveyed, with nearly two-thirds responding positively to its usage. The study indicates strong preference for TA among non-binary respondents, who selected it at more than triple the rate of other options.
Community reception: TA’s growing popularity is often attributed to its practical advantages, including reflecting existing pronunciation patterns in Mandarin where written gender distinctions disappear in speech. However, alternative proposals featuring new characters face substantial implementation hurdles, particularly regarding digital integration. Still, evidence of mainstream adoption has reportedly appeared in commercial applications, with major platforms like Bilibili implementing “TA” in user interfaces.
While advocates acknowledge challenges to broader acceptance, many view linguistic recognition as an important foundation for addressing wider gender inclusivity in Chinese-speaking communities.
Zach Edey earns “All-Rookie Second Team” honors after impact season with Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey has been named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, capping a strong debut season. At 7-foot-4 and approximately 300 pounds, Edey stood out not just for his physical presence, but for his smart positioning and tireless pursuit of the ball. In his final six games, he averaged 9.6 points, 15.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks in just over 30 minutes per game. He joins Yves Missi, Isaiah Collier, Bub Carrington and Donovan Clingan on the Second Team, while the First Team features Stephon Castle, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Kel’el Ware and fellow Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells.
The 22-year-old athlete has shown he can sustain a high level of contribution as a rotational big, especially in a class that has been light on double-digit scorers but rich in defensive and hustle players. Edey helped anchor a young Memphis frontcourt that weathered a challenging season with consistent interior presence
Dwayne Johnson co-writing book about Hawaii’s most powerful mob boss
A film adaption directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio is in the works
Dwayne Johnson is set to co-author a nonfiction book chronicling the rise and fall of Hawaii’s most notorious crime syndicate, with the project already in development as a major motion picture directed by Martin Scorsese. Teaming up with award-winning investigative journalist Nick Bilton, Johnson announced on Instagram that the book — acquired by Crown Publishing — will explore the life of Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa, the only known Hawaiian mob boss and leader of The Company, a powerful syndicate active in the 1960s and ’70s.
Who was Nappy Pulawa?
Pulawa was a central figure in Hawaii’s organized crime landscape who rose to power as the head of The Company, a tight-knit crime syndicate that ran gambling, loan sharking and extortion operations across the islands.
Operating during a period of major political and cultural transformation, Pulawa's empire marked the peak of local criminal influence before federal crackdowns and shifting public sentiment dismantled much of Hawaii’s underworld. His story — largely absent from mainstream narratives — serves as a window into a lesser-known era of Hawaiian history.
From page to screen
The book’s cinematic adaptation has already attracted an all-star team. Johnson will co-star in the film alongside Emily Blunt — his “Jungle Cruise” co-lead — and Leonardo DiCaprio, with the screenplay being co-written by Bilton and Johnson.
While the story’s focus on organized crime may echo Scorsese’s past films, the creative team has emphasized its deeper resonance. “This isn’t just a gangster story — it’s about power, identity, and what was taken from the Hawaiian people,” Johnson said. According to the publisher’s statement, the book also seeks to examine “Hawaii’s systematic theft by outsiders through the lens of this unique era.”
Hawaiian connection
Born in California but raised in Honolulu, Johnson has long reflected on his complicated relationship with his home state. Hee sees this project as a way to elevate a lesser-known chapter of American and Polynesian history. “Telling this story is a way to honor our Polynesian culture, and share the untold history of what really happened in paradise,” he said.
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” series in the works at Amazon
Amazon Prime Video is developing a series adaptation of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” the globally acclaimed wuxia epic based on Wang Dulu’s Crane-Iron book series. According to Deadline, the upcoming project will be helmed by writer and executive producer Jason Ning (The Brothers Sun) and showrunner Ron Moore (For All Mankind), both under overall deals at Sony Pictures Television. The show remains in early development, with no casting details confirmed. However, the official logline hints at a familiar emotional landscape: “Amidst stunning landscapes and spectacular action, two star-crossed warriors, Shu Lien and Mu Bai, struggle between forbidden love and the pull of modernity.”
Originally brought to international audiences by Ang Lee’s 2000 Oscar-winning film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” became a milestone in global cinema. It earned over $214 million at the box office and 10 Academy Award nominations, winning four including Best Foreign Language Film. The movie’s elegant choreography and philosophical themes introduced wuxia to mainstream Western audiences and catapulted stars like Michelle Yeoh — now an Oscar winner herself — to global recognition.
Korean webtoon “The Remarried Empress” set for star-studded drama adaptation
Naver Webtoon’s global hit “The Remarried Empress” will be adapted into a drama series starring Shin Min-ah, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk and Lee Se-young, Naver’s production arm Studio N announced on Monday.
About the series: The fantasy romance follows Empress Navier who, after being divorced by Emperor Sovieshu, chooses to remarry Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom. Since its 2018 web novel debut and 2019 webtoon adaptation, the story accumulated 2.6 billion views across 10 languages as of December 2024.
Casting details: Shin will portray Empress Navier, with Ju as Emperor Sovieshu. Jong-suk will take the role of Prince Heinrey, while Se-young will play the antagonist Rashta, a former slave who comes between the imperial couple. Director Jo Soo-won, known for “I Hear Your Voice” (2013) and “Pinocchio” (2014), will helm the project.
The series is reportedly expected to premiere on Disney+ in May or June 2025, though the exact release date remains under discussion.
Vietnamese hit “The Ancestral Home” secures US release for AAPI Heritage Month
Vietnam’s top-grossing spiritual film, “The Ancestral Home,” will premiere in North American theaters on May 9, coinciding with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Directed by Huynh Lap and starring Phuong My Chi in her first leading role, the film follows a young content creator who returns to her ancestral village and confronts family secrets and the ghost of her brother.
The film earned nearly $10 million at the Vietnamese box office and has drawn over 3 million admissions since February. “Its overwhelming success at home and its unique blend of humour, heart and heritage make it a natural fit for audiences abroad,” said Alice Nguyen of Skyline Media. Distributed by Eastern Edge Films, the U.S. release follows premieres across Taiwan, Australia and Southeast Asia.
“Black Mirror”: Don’t miss Awkwafina in the new Season 7 episode about AI
In “Hotel Reverie,” episode three of “Black Mirror” Season 7, Awkwafina plays Kimmy, a reality designer for ReDream, a tech company that immerses actors into AI-generated remakes of classic films. The episode follows Brandy Friday (Issa Rae), a Hollywood star who agrees to act in a high-tech reboot, only to find herself inside a digital replica where she performs alongside avatars of deceased actors. Awkwafina’s role as the architect of this simulated world highlights growing concerns about the role of AI in creative industries.
Awkwafina told E! that “Black Mirror,” of which Season 7 debuted on April 10, “demonstrates the extremes of where stuff can go” and that “anything new is kind of scary inherently.” With its timely themes and restrained storytelling, “Hotel Reverie” stands out as one of the season’s most thought-provoking episodes — worth watching not just for its premise, but for what it implies about the future of creative work.