WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, a prominent California attorney, to head the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. If confirmed, Dhillon will become the second Indian American to hold this position, following Vanita Gupta, who served during the Obama administration.
Trump praised Dhillon’s career defending constitutional rights and challenging what he described as “woke” corporate policies. “Harmeet has stood up consistently to protect our cherished civil liberties, including taking on Big Tech for censoring free speech and representing Christians prevented from praying together during COVID,” Trump said in a statement.
The nomination comes with both praise and controversy. Dhillon, who founded the Center for American Liberty and has gained recognition for her legal battles against California’s COVID-19 restrictions and corporate diversity policies, is a polarizing figure in American politics. While her supporters highlight her unwavering defense of conservative principles, critics question her connections to the Khalistani separatist movement, an allegation she has denied.
Born in Chandigarh, India, Dhillon immigrated to the United States as a child. Her family settled in North Carolina, where they registered as Republicans, inspired by conservative leaders like Senator Jesse Helms. After graduating from Dartmouth College, where she edited the conservative Dartmouth Review, and earning her law degree from the University of Virginia, Dhillon embarked on a career blending law and activism.
Her rise to national prominence began with high-profile free speech lawsuits, including cases on behalf of the Berkeley College Republicans and a Google engineer who alleged discrimination after criticizing the company’s diversity policies. She also represented election-related cases during Trump’s 2020 campaign and led challenges against California’s pandemic restrictions.
Dhillon is no stranger to breaking barriers. She was the first Indian American woman to deliver a Sikh prayer at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and again in 2024, showcasing her commitment to both her faith and political ideals.
Dhillon’s nomination has sparked debate, particularly within the Indian American community and international circles. Critics accuse her of supporting Khalistani separatists, pointing to past statements condemning India’s treatment of Sikh activists. In a 2022 tweet, she alleged that India had sent “death squads to target North American Sikhs outspoken on civil and human rights conditions in Punjab.”
Sanjay Lazar, a Harvard lawyer whose family was affected by Sikh extremist violence, called her views “detrimental” to U.S.-India relations. Other critics argue her past comments could complicate diplomatic efforts between the two nations, particularly on issues like extraditing Khalistani leaders.
Within conservative circles, Dhillon has also faced resistance. Some MAGA allies criticized her Sikh faith, with one social media post during the 2024 Republican National Convention calling her prayer “unacceptable.” Dhillon responded by reaffirming her commitment to her beliefs and her party.
Diya TV spoke to Dhillon at the Republican National Convention as the controversy unfolded.
Despite the controversies, Dhillon’s supporters argue that her role at the Justice Department will focus on domestic civil rights, where her legal expertise and staunch conservative principles align with Trump’s vision. “Harmeet will enforce our civil rights and election laws fairly and firmly,” Trump said.
At the Justice Department, Dhillon will serve as the fourth-ranking official under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Dhillon expressed gratitude for the nomination, calling it an honor to serve the nation. “This role is a testament to the sacrifices of my family and the values they instilled in me,” she posted on social media.
