US President Donald Trump marked Black History Month with a White House reception, highlighting his administration’s efforts in criminal justice reform, economic growth, and public safety, while acknowledging Indian American civil rights leader Harmeet Kaur Dhillon.
Opening the event, Trump celebrated the 100th observance of Black History Month, calling it “a big deal” and paid tribute to the late civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson. Trump praised Dhillon, who serves as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, referencing her work on legal battles involving institutions such as Harvard.
Dhillon, born in 1969, previously served as vice chair of the California Republican Party and as the state’s Republican National Committeewoman. Her appointment in 2025 to a senior Justice Department post makes her one of the most prominent Indian Americans in the Trump administration.
During the reception, Trump highlighted key initiatives for Black Americans under his leadership. He noted the historic criminal justice reforms through the First Step Act, long-term funding for historically Black colleges and universities, and the creation of nearly 9,000 opportunity zones. On economic achievements, he stressed the US stock market’s 53 record highs since his election and cited the highest employment and rising wages in American history.
Alice Marie Johnson, whose life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense was commuted during Trump’s first term, shared her personal story, emphasizing the administration’s impact on her life and the broader Black community. “Only in America could there be a story like mine,” she said, expressing gratitude to the President.
Trump concluded by reflecting on Black History Month, urging Americans to honor the legacy of those who came before while striving for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation. Dhillon’s mention at the event also underscores the increasing presence of Indian Americans in influential positions in the US government, including key civil rights roles.
