Meet Harmeet K. Dhillon: Trump’s Nominee for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
3 min readIndian-origin lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon has been nominated by Donald Trump as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Known for her work as a civil rights advocate and election lawyer, Dhillon brings a robust legal background and a history of standing up for civil liberties to this high-profile role.
Trump’s Announcement
On December 9, Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating:
“I am pleased to nominate Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice.”
He praised Dhillon’s career as a staunch defender of civil liberties, highlighting her legal battles against Big Tech censorship, advocating for religious freedom during the COVID-19 pandemic, and opposing corporate discrimination tied to “woke” policies.
“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 makes her the fourth Indian-origin individual chosen for a role in Trump’s cabinet for his second term.
I am pleased to nominate Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Throughout her career, Harmeet has stood up consistently to protect our cherished Civil Liberties, including taking on Big Tech for censoring our Free…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 10, 2024Advertisement
Who Is Harmeet K. Dhillon?
Harmeet K. Dhillon’s distinguished career includes founding the Dhillon Law Group and co-founding the Center for American Liberty, a nonprofit organization dedicated to civil liberties. She is widely regarded as a top election lawyer in the United States, advocating for legal and transparent voting processes.
A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law, Dhillon clerked at the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a respected figure in the Sikh-American community and has often been in the spotlight for her commitment to religious and civil rights.
I'm extremely honored by President Trump's nomination to assist with our nation's civil rights agenda. It has been my dream to be able to serve our great country, and I am so excited to be part of an incredible team of lawyers led by @PamBondi. I cannot wait to get to work!
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) December 10, 2024
I… pic.twitter.com/L2NCA9m987
Key Highlights of Dhillon’s Career
- Political Involvement: Dhillon has held leadership roles in the Republican Party, serving as vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party and as the national committeewoman for California at the Republican National Committee.
- Legal Advocacy: As a lawyer, Dhillon has tackled high-profile cases involving free speech, religious freedom, and corporate discrimination. Her work has included challenging Big Tech companies and defending Christians’ right to assemble during pandemic restrictions.
- Cultural Contributions: Dhillon garnered attention in 2016 when she delivered an Ardas (a Sikh prayer) at the Republican National Convention, marking a moment of inclusivity at the event.
Sarv took this photo at our Sea Ranch home. You can see a tiny gopher or
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) November 23, 2024
field mouse on the bottom border of
the sweater. It is inspired by the gophers of Sea Ranch. pic.twitter.com/L1wtLnsvRA
Reaction and Expectations
Trump’s nomination of Dhillon underscores his administration’s focus on civil liberties and election integrity. Her history of challenging progressive policies and her alignment with conservative values have made her a polarizing figure. Supporters see her as a dedicated advocate for constitutional rights, while critics question her partisan approach to legal matters.
As Dhillon steps into this influential role, her tenure will be closely watched for its impact on civil rights enforcement, election laws, and the broader political landscape.