US President Donald Trump has praised Indian-origin tech expert Sriram Krishnan for his role in shaping the White House’s artificial intelligence strategy and strengthening the US position against China. The remarks were made during a brief exchange at the White House Christmas Party. The clip has since circulated widely online.The praise followed the rollout of a new White House executive order on artificial intelligence. The order is aimed at accelerating AI development in the United States while reducing regulatory friction for domestic firms. It directs federal agencies to prioritise competitiveness and national security. The policy is framed explicitly around maintaining an edge over China in advanced technologies.In the video, Trump says that “without him, things on AI would not function well”. He highlights Krishnan as a key figure behind the executive action. Krishnan credits Trump’s leadership and says the order has strong backing from the tech industry. He adds that it is designed to help the US stay ahead in the global AI race. Krishnan explains that the order currently operates through executive authority. The administration is seeking congressional approval to make its provisions permanent. He tells Trump that support on Capitol Hill has grown in recent weeks. He attributes this momentum to the president’s direct engagement with lawmakers.The exchange has drawn attention beyond policy details. Krishnan’s rise from senior roles in Silicon Valley to a senior White House advisory position has been cited by supporters as an example of American meritocracy. They argue that technical expertise is being prioritised at a moment of strategic competition.