Washington: US President Donald Trump marked Black History Month at the White House on Wednesday (local time), using the occasion to reflect on his record in criminal justice reform, economic growth and public safety — while also praising Indian-American official Harmeet Kaur Dhillon. Reported by NDTV.
Opening the reception, Trump noted the significance of the centennial observance. “This is a nice, full room,” he said, describing the 100th anniversary of Black History Month as “a big deal, 100th. That's sort of special.”
The President began by paying tribute to civil rights leader Reverend 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.”
During his remarks, Trump referenced ongoing legal matters involving Harvard and other institutions, saying, “Harmeet is on their trail, right?” — referring to Harmeet Dhillon, who currently serves as US Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
Dhillon, an Indian-American lawyer born in 1969, was appointed to the role in 2025. She previously served as vice chair of the California Republican Party and as the Republican National Committeewoman for California. Her appointment to a senior position within the Justice Department has made her one of the most prominent Indian-American figures in the Trump administration.
Trump also highlighted what he described as key achievements benefiting Black Americans. “I signed historic criminal justice reform into law,” he said, referencing the First Step Act passed during his first term. “Just so you know, for 30 years, more than any other group of people, have been trying to get criminal reform, and they couldn't do it.”
He further pointed to funding for historically Black colleges and universities. “Black Americans single-handedly secured record-long-term funding for, I told you, the historically black colleges and universities,” Trump said. “I created nearly 9,000 opportunity zones with our great secretary.”
On the economy, Trump asserted that the United States was leading globally. “We're the hottest country right now anywhere in the world,” he said. “The stock market has hit 53 all-time record highs since the election.”
He added, “More Americans are working today than at any time in American history,” and claimed wages were rising faster than inflation.
The event also included remarks from Alice Marie Johnson, whose life sentence for a nonviolent drug offence was commuted during Trump’s first term.
“Only in America could there be a story like my story,” Johnson said. “This president right here, President Donald Trump, brought me from the prison pit to the White House.”
She continued, “Don't let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump, has not -- is not for Black America.”
Concluding his remarks, Trump said, “We celebrate Black History Month. We honour the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy and fighting for an America that's -- really an America that's safe and strong and prosperous.”
For Indian audiences, Dhillon’s mention at a major White House event highlights the increasing presence of Indian Americans in influential positions across US administrations, including in areas such as civil rights enforcement.
Black History Month is observed every February in the United States to recognise and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment