Trump Praises Indian American Harmeet Dhillon at White House Black History Month Event
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump marked Black History Month at the White House on Wednesday, highlighting his administration’s record on criminal justice reform, economic performance, and public safety while singling out Indian American civil rights official Harmeet Kaur Dhillon for praise during the event.
Opening the reception, Trump noted the significance of the occasion, calling the centennial observance of Black History Month “a big deal” and describing the gathering as “a nice, full room.”
The president began his remarks by paying tribute to the late civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. “He was a piece of work, but he was a good man,” Trump said. “I just want to pay my highest respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson.”
As he acknowledged guests and officials in attendance, Trump referred to ongoing legal battles involving Harvard and other institutions and pointed to Dhillon’s role, saying, “Harmeet is on their trail, right?” Dhillon serves as U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
Dhillon, an Indian American lawyer appointed to the post in 2025, previously served as vice chair of the California Republican Party and as the Republican National Committeewoman for California. Her appointment placed her among the most senior Indian Americans in the Trump administration and in a key position overseeing federal civil rights enforcement.
Trump used the event to reiterate what he described as major accomplishments benefiting Black Americans. Referring to the First Step Act passed during his first term, he said, “I signed historic criminal justice reform into law,” adding that criminal justice reform had eluded advocates for decades prior to its enactment.
He also pointed to long-term federal funding for historically Black colleges and universities and the creation of opportunity zones. “Black Americans single-handedly secured record-long-term funding for the historically black colleges and universities,” Trump said, adding that nearly 9,000 opportunity zones were established.
On the economy, Trump argued that the United States was outperforming other nations. “We’re the hottest country right now anywhere in the world,” he said, noting that the stock market had reached dozens of record highs since the election. He added that employment levels were at historic highs and wages were rising faster than inflation.
The reception also featured remarks from Alice Marie Johnson, whose life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense was commuted during Trump’s first term. “Only in America could there be a story like my story,” she said. “This president right here, President Donald Trump, brought me from the prison pit to the White House.”
Johnson added, “Don’t let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump, has not — is not for Black America.”
Closing his remarks, Trump said, “We celebrate Black History Month. We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy and fighting for an America that’s safe and strong and prosperous.”
Black History Month is observed each February in the United States to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history and culture. (Source: IANS)
