Turning Point leader to Viet American GOP lawmaker: ‘Can you speak English?’
Issue #232 follows a Turning Point leader's racist remark to an Asian American Republican, a high-profile German assault trial and the return of Harold & Kumar
A prominent Turning Point Action leader is facing backlash after telling Vietnamese American Arizona state Rep. Quang Nguyen to “speak English” during a public exchange on X. The remark, directed at a fellow Republican and immigrant who fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, has drawn condemnation and reignited a familiar debate over why Asian American public officials continue to face questions about their belonging, regardless of political affiliation.
We’re also covering Chinese women filling German courtrooms in support of survivors as prosecutors pursue an alleged Telegram rape network, the deportation of a Hmong immigrant despite receiving a rare unanimous pardon, the return of Harold & Kumar after more than a decade and a new exhibition honoring generations of Asian American veterans during America’s 250th anniversary.
Featured
Turning Point official’s ‘speak English’ remark to Vietnamese American GOP lawmaker sparks backlash
Rep. Quang Nguyen fled Vietnam as a child, has served in Arizona’s Legislature since 2021 and is a fellow Republican. None of that stopped a senior Turning Point Action official from asking whether he could “speak English,” reigniting debate over why Asian American public figures continue to face assumptions about language and identity.
What else we’re tracking
Indian American candidate announces bid to replace Graham Platner
Former Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah has entered the race to replace Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner following allegations that forced Platner to suspend his campaign. If nominated, Shah would become one of the few Asian Americans to run for the U.S. Senate from Maine.
Hmong immigrant deported despite rare pardon backed by victim
A Hmong immigrant has been deported to Laos despite receiving a rare unanimous pardon from Minnesota’s governor, attorney general and chief justice, with support from the victim in his criminal case. The removal highlights the limits of state clemency when federal immigration orders remain in effect.
Chinese women rally behind survivors in Germany’s Telegram rape case
German prosecutors say encrypted Telegram chats helped coordinate years of drug-facilitated sexual assaults against mostly Chinese women. As the trials continue, Chinese women have begun filling courtrooms in an unprecedented show of support for survivors.
‘Harold & Kumar’ 4 moves forward with Cho, Penn expected to return
More than 20 years after “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” helped redefine Asian American representation in Hollywood comedies, a fourth film is moving forward with the franchise’s original writers returning. John Cho and Kal Penn are expected to reprise their iconic roles.
Monterey Park honors generations of Asian American veterans
A new exhibition in Monterey Park traces nearly two centuries of Asian American military service, from the Civil War to today, as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Organizers hope the project helps place AAPI veterans more firmly within the broader story of American history.
Why read Issue #232?
Some assumptions prove remarkably durable. They surface in political arguments, courtroom testimony, popular culture and everyday interactions, often outlasting the moments that first gave rise to them. They can shape how people are perceived, whose experiences are believed and which stories receive attention.
Just one more thing: if you missed it over the holiday weekend, be sure to check out The Rebel Yellow Monthly’s special sixth issue, released on the Fourth of July to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
Support independent Asian diaspora journalism. Become a paid subscriber to read the full stories and help sustain The Rebel Yellow.
The Rebel Yellow is supported in part by funding from The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). Funders do not influence story selection, reporting, or editorial decisions. All editorial content is independently produced by The Rebel Yellow team.
Backlash and its just calling out racism 😮💨 & also we dont talk enough about school to prision for southeast asians
Thank you for this story! Movies like rush hour or just casual “i dont understand you” when its even a light accent. We have not moved far as asian americans and we have to fight for more. I need our future, all aapi learn more about our type of racism we face, and not just pretend its not still happening.