Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has nominated Indian-American attorney Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Announcing the decision on Truth Social, he wrote, “I am pleased to nominate Harmeet K. Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the US Department of Justice.”
A Legal Advocate with a Strong Record
Harmeet Dhillon has built her reputation through high-profile legal battles. Donald Trump praised her work, stating, “Ms Dhillon, an accomplished attorney, has made headlines for her legal battles against big tech companies, her defence of religious freedom during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her challenges to corporate policies she deems discriminatory.”
From India to Prominence in the US
Born in Chandigarh, Dhillon moved to the United States as a child. She earned degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School. She began her legal career clerking for Hon. Paul V. Niemeyer at the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Later, she worked in New York, London, and San Francisco, focusing on commercial litigation and intellectual property.
Establishing Her Own Law Firm
In 2006, Dhillon founded Dhillon Law Group Inc. Her firm specializes in commercial litigation, First Amendment rights, employment law, and election law. She also leads the Centre for American Liberty as its CEO, advocating for civil rights and constitutional freedoms.
Fighting for Free Speech and Religious Rights
Dhillon is known for challenging big tech companies on censorship issues. She has represented clients in election law, compliance matters, and intellectual property cases tied to campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she defended religious freedoms and opposed discriminatory corporate policies. Although she ran for the Republican National Committee chairmanship in 2023, she did not win.
Breaking Barriers and Serving Her Community
In 2016, Dhillon became the first Indian-American to speak at the GOP Convention. In 2024, she recited the Sikh prayer ‘Ardas’ at the Republican National Convention, despite facing racial attacks. As a devout Sikh, she remains dedicated to defending civil rights and religious freedoms. Dhillon’s nomination reflects her commitment to justice and constitutional values, adding a new chapter to her impactful career.