In a significant move ahead of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American attorney Harmeet K. Dhillon to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Announcing the nomination on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Dhillon’s extensive legal background and commitment to civil liberties. “I am pleased to nominate Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the US Department of Justice,” Trump stated.
Dhillon, a Dartmouth College and University of Virginia Law School alumna, has built a reputation as a staunch advocate for free speech and constitutional rights. Throughout her career, she has taken on major tech companies over alleged censorship, defended religious groups prevented from gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic, and challenged corporations implementing what she describes as “woke” policies that discriminate against employees.
Highlighting her expertise in election law, Trump described Dhillon as “one of the top election lawyers in the country, fighting to ensure that all, and ONLY, legal votes are counted.” Her legal prowess is further underscored by her clerkship at the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
At 54, Dhillon brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the role. Born in Chandigarh, India, she moved to the United States as a child with her parents and has since become a prominent figure in both the legal community and the Sikh religious community. Her commitment to civil rights was notably evident when she recited the Ardas prayer at the Republican National Convention in July, an act that unfortunately led to racial backlash.
Despite an unsuccessful bid for the Republican National Committee chairmanship last year, Dhillon remains a respected and influential voice within the party. “Harmeet is a respected member of the Sikh religious community. In her new role at the DOJ, Harmeet will be a tireless defender of our constitutional rights, and will enforce our civil rights and election laws FAIRLY and FIRMLY,” Trump added.
Dhillon’s nomination is poised to bring a focused approach to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, emphasizing the protection of individual liberties and fair election practices. As the administration prepares to take office, stakeholders across the political spectrum will be watching closely to see how Dhillon’s leadership shapes the future of civil rights enforcement in the United States.
The confirmation process will involve rigorous scrutiny from the Senate Judiciary Committee, with debates likely to center around Dhillon’s past actions and her vision for the division. Should she be confirmed, Harmeet Dhillon will play a pivotal role in advancing the Trump administration’s civil rights agenda.
