WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. Senate confirmed Harmeet Dhillon to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. On April 3, 2025, the confirmation vote was 52-45, largely along party lines. Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski was the sole Republican who crossed party lines to vote against the nomination and join Democrats.
Dhillon, a conservative attorney and former California Republican Party official, founded the Center for American Liberty in 2018. The organization is focused on the defense of civil liberties, particularly First Amendment rights. Her legal practice has involved representing high-profile conservative figures and causes.
Sen. Mike Lee, in introducing Dhillon to her confirmation hearing, stated, “Harmeet Dhillon’s life is one of conviction and relentless pursuit of justice, no matter the price tag.” Under oath, Dhillon promised to serve the Civil Rights Division in the interests of all Americans and to vindicate the Constitution.
However, her appointment was criticized by civil rights groups. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and 65 other national groups called on senators to oppose her confirmation based on her record and absence of commitment to enforcing civil rights.
Dhillon, in her role as head of the Civil Rights Division, will administer key areas like hate crime cases, enforcement of voting rights, and investigations regarding discriminatory policing tactics.
