WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Indian American Republican Harmeet K. Dhillon as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The announcement, made via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, is part of his ongoing efforts to assemble his administration for his second term in 2025. Dhillon, 54, is a prominent attorney known for her legal battles on issues such as free speech, religious liberties, and election integrity. Born in Chandigarh, India, she moved to the U.S. as a child and has established herself as a key figure in conservative legal circles.
In his statement, Trump praised Dhillon’s record, highlighting her lawsuits against major technology firms over censorship allegations, her representation of Christian groups during COVID-related restrictions, and her challenges to corporate policies she views as discriminatory.
“Harmeet is one of the top election lawyers in the country, fighting to ensure that all, and ONLY, legal votes are counted,” Trump stated. He also emphasized Dhillon’s academic credentials, which include degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School, and her clerkship at the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Trump also underscored Dhillon’s religious heritage as a respected member of the Sikh community and described her as a steadfast advocate for constitutional rights.
This nomination follows Trump’s recent high-profile selections, including Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and tech billionaire Elon Musk, as well as Kash Patel, another Indian American, to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Dhillon, who has faced racial attacks, notably after reciting a Sikh prayer at the Republican National Convention earlier this year, previously ran unsuccessfully for the Republican National Committee chairmanship. Her legal and political career has been marked by her advocacy for conservative principles and her focus on civil liberties.
If confirmed, Dhillon will bring a unique perspective to the Civil Rights Division at the DOJ, continuing her work on high-stakes legal battles while contributing to the administration’s policy objectives.