In a stirring address at the White House, President Donald Trump showered praise on Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, a prominent leader of Indian descent, during a Black History Month celebration. The event, held on Wednesday, highlighted key achievements of his administration, from criminal justice reforms to economic triumphs and public safety enhancements.
Trump kicked off the ceremony by calling it a ‘very special occasion,’ marking the centennial of Black History Month—a milestone in American history. He paid heartfelt tribute to the late civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, describing him as ‘a different kind of person but a good man,’ and offered his deepest respects.
Turning to pressing legal battles, Trump spotlighted ongoing disputes involving Harvard University and other institutions. It was here that he gave a shoutout to Dhillon, noting, ‘Harmeet is keeping an eye on these cases.’ Dhillon, born in 1969, stepped into a historic role in 2025 as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. Her prior stints as vice chair of the California Republican Party and a representative on the Republican National Committee underscore her rising influence, making her one of the highest-ranking Indian-Americans in government.
The president didn’t shy away from touting his record for Black Americans. He hailed the First Step Act as a landmark criminal justice reform after over three decades of stalled efforts. Trump also pointed to sustained funding for historically Black colleges and universities, alongside the creation of nearly 9,000 Opportunity Zones that fueled economic growth in underserved communities.
On the economy, Trump boasted of America’s position as the world’s strongest, with the stock market hitting record highs 53 times since the election. He emphasized unprecedented employment levels and wages outpacing inflation, painting a picture of prosperity like never before.
Alice Marie Johnson, whose life sentence was commuted by Trump in his first term, took the stage with a powerful testimony. ‘Only in America could my story go from prison to the White House,’ she said, crediting the president for her remarkable journey.
Wrapping up, Trump framed Black History Month as a time to honor those who fought for equality and justice. His vision? A safer, stronger, and more prosperous America. For Indian observers, Dhillon’s mention signals the growing footprint of Indian-origin figures in U.S. leadership.