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5mo ago

Harmeet Dhillon Confirmed to Lead DOJ Civil Rights Division

The Senate's 52-45 vote solidifies a major shift in civil rights enforcement under the Trump administration, with Dhillon's record drawing sharp partisan reactions.

Harmeet Dhillon on Capitol Hill on May 11, 2023.
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, speaks during the AmericaFest 2024 conference sponsored by conservative group Turning Point in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Cheney Orr/File Photo
The Senate confirmed former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party, Harmeet Dhillon, to lead the U.S. Office of Civil Rights.

Overview

  • Harmeet Dhillon was confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in a 52-45 Senate vote, with Senator Lisa Murkowski as the sole Republican opposing the nomination.
  • Dhillon, a staunch Trump ally, has a history of opposing affirmative action, DEI policies, and LGBTQ+ rights, raising concerns among civil rights advocates about her leadership priorities.
  • Critics argue the confirmation aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to reshape the Civil Rights Division's focus, including reduced oversight of police departments and challenges to voting rights.
  • Supporters praise Dhillon for her conservative legal approach, highlighting her advocacy for free speech and religious liberties through her nonprofit, the Center for American Liberty.
  • Civil rights groups warn that Dhillon's leadership could undermine protections for marginalized communities, citing her record of challenging voting rights and transgender protections.