According to a report by Public Citizen, Harmeet Dhillon, a former Trump campaign attorney, has installed several attorneys in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division who critics say are working to undermine the division's traditional mission of enforcing civil rights laws. The report, authored by Zach Everson, details the backgrounds and roles of these appointees.
As of August 2026, the Civil Rights Division has been involved in several controversial cases, including challenges to affirmative action policies and voting rights protections. Dhillon, who was appointed to a senior role in the DOJ under the Trump administration, has defended these actions as necessary to combat reverse discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law.
Critics, including civil rights organizations, argue that the division is being used to advance a political agenda rather than protect marginalized communities. They point to specific cases where the division has filed briefs against LGBTQ+ protections and voting access measures.
The report highlights that several of the attorneys installed by Dhillon have backgrounds in conservative legal advocacy, with ties to groups like the Federalist Society. These attorneys have been placed in key positions, influencing the division's priorities and case selection.
The DOJ has not responded to requests for comment on the report. The situation remains a point of contention as the 2026 midterm elections approach, with civil rights likely to be a major issue.
