In a recent announcement, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has selected Indian-American lawyer Harmeet K. Dhillon to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice.
This appointment marks a significant step in Dhillon’s career, recognising her steadfast commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and promoting justice.
Trump praised Dhillon’s long-standing reputation as a prominent election lawyer and her fierce advocacy for election integrity. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his confidence in Dhillon’s ability to uphold the values that the U.S. holds dear.
He commended her for standing up against what she perceives as the growing threat to free speech, particularly in the realm of social media and corporate policies.
“I am pleased to nominate Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice,” Trump wrote. “Throughout her career, Harmeet has consistently protected our cherished Civil Liberties, taking on Big Tech for censoring our Free Speech, defending the rights of Christians during the COVID pandemic, and suing corporations that use woke policies to discriminate against their workers.”
Dhillon’s legal career has made her one of the most respected figures in defending constitutional rights, especially in cases concerning election law. Her background includes a distinguished academic journey, graduating from Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School.
Additionally, she clerked for the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump acknowledged her as a tireless advocate for election integrity, ensuring that only legal votes are counted.
As a respected member of the Sikh community, Harmeet Dhillon’s new role at the Department of Justice is expected to enhance the enforcement of civil rights and election laws.
In her position, Trump emphasised that Dhillon would be a firm and fair defender of constitutional rights, making sure that all Americans receive the protection they deserve under the law.
Trump’s nomination of Harmeet Dhillon is also notable for highlighting the growing influence of individuals of Indian origin within his administration. Dhillon becomes the fourth person of Indian descent to be nominated to the Trump 2.0 cabinet.
She joins an impressive list that includes Kash Patel, a strong supporter of Trump with Gujarati roots, and two other prominent figures, Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are well-known for their strong connections to Hinduism.
While Tulsi Gabbard’s ties to India are more cultural than familial, her commitment to Hinduism, particularly through her involvement in the Hare Krishna movement, has been central to her identity.
She often shares her faith through prayers and chanting bhajans, emphasising the spiritual foundation that guides her political life.