US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday (October 20) extended Diwali greetings and said the festival is a reminder of light’s victory over darkness.
“Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali — the ‘Festival of Lights’,” Trump said in a statement.
“For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness. It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal,” he said.
“As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil. To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace,” he added.
Several prominent Indian-Americans also extended Diwali greetings.
FBI director Kash Patel wrote on X, “Happy Diwali—celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world, as good triumphs over evil.” Patel became the first Indian-American to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this year.
Happy Diwali 🪔 - celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world, as good triumphs over evil. pic.twitter.com/Kj5cEl1Kzv
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) October 20, 2025
Vivek Ramaswamy, who became the youngest presidential candidate in the Republican primaries in 2024, said in a social media post, “Happy Diwali! May the light prevail over darkness.”
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also shared Diwali greetings on X.
“Shubh Deepavali! Wishing everyone a very happy Diwali. Across our city, families are lighting diyas and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. New York shines brighter tonight because of the people who bring their light and traditions home,” Mamdani wrote.
Shubh Deepavali! Wishing everyone a very happy Diwali.
Across our city, families are lighting diyas and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair.
New York shines brighter tonight because of the people who bring their light and traditions home.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 20, 2025
Separately, Texas governor Greg Abbott hosted Diwali celebrations at the Governor’s Mansion, continuing a tradition that brings together the Indo-American community each year to mark the festival.
The celebration on Sunday was attended by the Consul General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath, members of the Indo-American community, and elected officials.
Diwali events at the Governor’s Mansion have become an annual tradition in Texas since 2018, except in 2020 when it was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(With inputs from agencies)
