Photo: Alamy
Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, is being considered for a higher-ranking role at the Department of Justice as the Trump administration reshapes its leadership, according to multiple reports.
Among the positions under consideration is associate attorney general, the department’s third-highest post, which oversees a wide range of areas including civil litigation, antitrust enforcement and election-related matters.
Dhillon, a longtime conservative attorney and ally of President Donald Trump, has emerged as a leading candidate following recent leadership changes, including the removal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Her potential promotion comes as the administration continues to install officials aligned with its policy priorities across key federal agencies.
Dhillon has not confirmed any pending promotion but indicated she is open to continuing her service in a larger capacity.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve under @AGPamBondi at the DOJ. She is the epitome of grace, class, patriotism, and integrity. She has been a dear friend and worthy of respect and loyalty. She served our country faithfully and well. I will miss her at the DOJ, and wish her the very best,” Dhillon posted to X on Friday.
“I’ve worked well with @DAGToddBlanche since I was sworn in a year ago, and told him and the President yesterday I look forward to supporting his transition to Acting AG. It is the privilege of my lifetime to serve my country at the DOJ, and I will continue to serve in whatever role the President deems most appropriate for me. Stay tuned — great things ahead at the DOJ!” she added.
Dhillon built her legal career in San Francisco, where she gained national attention for challenging policies related to religious freedom, COVID-19 restrictions and free speech.
“The entirety of my career has been a minority, conservative viewpoint in a very liberal profession,” Dhillon told Politico in a recent interview.
Since taking over the Civil Rights Division, Dhillon has redirected its focus toward investigations involving diversity initiatives, universities and election-related matters.
If selected for the associate attorney general role, Dhillon would gain broader oversight of Justice Department operations at a time when the administration is emphasizing election security and federal enforcement initiatives ahead of upcoming elections.
