Donald Trump has nominated Harmeet K. Dhillon, an Indian-American lawyer born in Chandigarh, as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Announcing the nomination on his social media platform, Trump praised Dhillon for her extensive legal expertise, particularly in election law, stating she is one of the top election lawyers in the country focused on ensuring that only legal votes are counted.
Dhillon’s career has been marked by her advocacy for civil liberties, including her efforts against perceived censorship by big tech companies and her representation of religious groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is recognized as a prominent figure within the Republican Party and has been vocal about various issues, including her support for farmers’ protests in India and criticisms of the Indian government’s actions towards Sikhs.
If confirmed, Dhillon would become the second woman to lead the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, a role that will place her at the forefront of enforcing federal civil rights laws. Her nomination has sparked discussions about potential shifts in the DOJ’s focus under Trump’s administration, particularly regarding civil rights issues that may differ from those prioritized during previous administrations.
