Posted on 04/03/2025 6:06:02 PM PDT by Morgana
The Senate confirmed Harmeet Dhillon, a prominent pro-life attorney, as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday
The vote marks a significant shift in the agency’s approach to civil rights enforcement under the Trump administration. The vote, which followed party lines with Republicans approving and Democrats voting no, ended with a 52-45 tally, with three senators absent.
Dhillon, nominated by President Donald Trump in December 2024, pledged during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in February to end what she described as the targeting of pro-life Christians by the DOJ. Her appointment replaces Kristen Clarke, a pro-abortion Biden-era official criticized by conservative groups for aggressively prosecuting pro-life activists under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
“Pro-life Americans will not have to fear targeting under this administration,” Dhillon said during her hearing, responding to questions about the DOJ’s previous actions against individuals protesting outside abortion clinics. She emphasized her commitment to protecting constitutional rights, including free speech and religious liberty, areas where she has built a national reputation.
A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School, Dhillon has a long history of defending conservative causes. She gained prominence in the pro-life community for representing David Daleiden, the journalist who exposed Planned Parenthood’s alleged sale of aborted fetal tissue. Trump praised her record in his nomination announcement, calling her “a tireless defender of our Constitutional Rights” and “one of the top election lawyers in the country.”
Dhillon’s confirmation drew sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. Pro-life advocates hailed the move as a victory, “a key appointment at a crucial time” for pro-life activists who faced federal prosecution under the Biden administration.
The confirmation process was not without contention. Democrat Senators Dick Durbin, Lisa Murkowski, and Patty Murray did not vote, though the Republican-controlled Senate ensured Dhillon’s approval. Her tenure is expected to prioritize election integrity and religious freedoms, aligning with Trump’s broader agenda.
They list Murkowski correctly as a democrat.
Excellent appointment
You go gryl!
Nice!
Awesome. Nobody needs civil rights more than the pre-born.
I truly hope she is aware that the second amendment is a civil right, and acts accordingly.
I remain amazed the the alleged ACLU doesn’t do plenty-o-2ndA work.
They need to change their name.
Way to go Harmeet!
She’ll be in charge of human rights crimes. I don’t think that will cover guns, although I’m pretty sure she’s solid there too.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.