Washington, D.C. — July 29, 2025
In a major political development ahead of the August 17 Khalistan Referendum voting in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald J. Trump has sent an official letter to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, firmly reiterating America’s commitment to protecting its values, freedoms, and its citizens — including those targeted by foreign regimes.
The July 24, 2025 letter, on White House letterhead, was sent in response to SFJ’s ongoing campaign to expose India’s transnational repression, its imbalanced trade policies, and its efforts to silence the global Khalistan movement.
“My Administration is proudly advancing policy that puts our citizens, our values, and our Nation first,” Trump writes, adding, “When our country is strong, the world is safe—and Americans are secure, prosperous, and free.”
India Labels Pannun "Terrorist," Seeks Extradition
The Indian government has long labeled Gurpatwant Singh Pannun a “terrorist” under its controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and has repeatedly pressured the U.S. to extradite him for his leadership role in SFJ and the global Khalistan Referendum campaign. India blames Pannun and SFJ for “anti-national activities,” including organizing referendums abroad that challenge India’s territorial integrity.
Despite these demands, the United States has consistently rejected India's extradition requests, citing lack of legal grounds and First Amendment protections that cover political speech and activism — including peaceful advocacy for Khalistan.
President Trump’s direct acknowledgment of Pannun’s communication — and his reaffirmation of American values such as freedom, justice, and faith — is seen as a significant rebuke to India’s efforts to suppress Sikh political expression abroad.
"This Great Betrayal Is Over"
Trump's letter also outlines a broader nationalist and protectionist agenda, including:
A 90-day freeze on foreign aid to reevaluate spending.
A crackdown on illegal and divisive ideologies in the U.S. Armed Forces.
A renewed push to impose tariffs on foreign-made goods, including those from India, and revive domestic manufacturing.
“This great betrayal of our Nation is finally over—and American workers and manufacturers will soon be thriving and flourishing like never before,” Trump states.
These policy directions align with SFJ’s demand to hold India accountable not only for its repression of dissenting voices like Pannun, but also for flooding U.S. markets with cheap goods while allegedly funding surveillance and harassment operations against Sikhs in the diaspora.
August 17 Referendum in Washington, D.C.
The next phase of the Khalistan Referendum—organized by SFJ—is set for August 17 in Washington, D.C., and is expected to draw thousands of Sikh voters. Previous voting rounds in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Italy have seen strong turnout despite diplomatic pressure and security threats.
By responding to Pannun directly, President Trump is signaling that pro-Khalistan voices and victims of India’s international overreach will not be ignored, and that America stands firmly with freedom of speech and democratic expression—no matter how uncomfortable it may be for foreign allies.
“I will never stop fighting for the needs of our citizens and our homeland,” Trump concludes. “Over are the days of war, poverty, and weakness—and I look forward to working together to usher in a new dawn of American safety, prosperity, and peace.”