Washington, D.C.: In a groundbreaking move, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Harmeet K. Dhillon, a prominent Indian-American attorney, as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice (DOJ). The announcement, made via Truth Social, highlights Dhillon’s extensive legal career and her dedication to upholding civil liberties.
Trump Praises Dhillon’s Track Record on Civil Liberties and Election Law
Trump commended Dhillon’s unwavering commitment to protecting civil rights, stating:
“Throughout her career, Harmeet has stood up consistently to protect our cherished civil liberties, including taking on big tech for censoring free speech, representing Christians denied the right to pray during COVID, and suing corporations for woke policies that discriminate against workers.”
Dhillon, recognized as one of the nation’s top election lawyers, has been at the forefront of high-stakes legal battles. She has fought to ensure fair elections by advocating for the accurate counting of legal votes.
A Historic Nomination for a Sikh-American Leader
Born in Chandigarh, India, Dhillon moved to the United States as a child and has built a formidable legal career. She made history as the first Indian-American to appear on the stage of the GOP Convention in 2016. A respected member of the Sikh religious community, Dhillon brings a unique perspective to her new role. Trump emphasized her dedication to fairness, stating:
“In her new role at the DOJ, Harmeet will be a tireless defender of constitutional rights and will enforce civil rights and election laws FAIRLY and FIRMLY.”
Dhillon’s Reaction: A Dream Fulfilled
Following the announcement, Dhillon expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m extremely honored by President Trump’s nomination to assist with our nation’s civil rights agenda. Serving this great country has been a lifelong dream, and I’m thrilled to join an incredible team of lawyers led by Pam Bondi.”
She also paid tribute to her late father, husband, and her family’s unwavering support, adding:
“I hope to honor their memories, with God’s grace, in this important role.”
Who is Harmeet Dhillon?
At 54, Harmeet Dhillon boasts a storied career in law and politics:
- Early Life: Born in Chandigarh, India, she immigrated to the U.S. with her parents at a young age.
- Legal Career: Dhillon specializes in commercial litigation, employment law, First Amendment rights, and election law. She has clerked at the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and is an alumna of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School.
- Political Contributions: Dhillon made headlines in 2016 as the first Indian-American to address the Republican National Convention. She also ran for the Republican National Committee chairmanship last year, highlighting her leadership in GOP politics.
- Advocacy and Faith: Dhillon is a proud Sikh-American who has faced challenges, including racial backlash after reciting the Sikh prayer, Ardas, at the GOP Convention in 2023.
A Vision for the DOJ Civil Rights Division
As Assistant Attorney General, Dhillon is expected to tackle key issues, from combating discrimination to ensuring election integrity. Her legal expertise and advocacy for free speech and religious rights position her to make significant contributions to the DOJ.
A New Chapter for Civil Rights in America
This nomination underscores the growing diversity in American leadership and highlights Dhillon’s exceptional journey from a young immigrant to a prominent figure in U.S. law and politics. With her appointment, Dhillon is poised to shape the nation’s civil rights landscape under the Trump administration.
