Harmeet Dhillon, controversial head of DoJ’s civil rights division, steps down
Harmeet Dhillon, the head of the US Department of Justice's civil rights division, has resigned following the Republican party's defeat in the 2026 midterm elections. Her tenure was marked by a significant shift in the division's focus away from traditional civil rights protections.
Why it matters
Her departure signals a potential shift in federal civil rights enforcement policy as the new Congress prepares to oversee executive agencies.
Harmeet Dhillon arrives for a news conference on 29 September 2025 in Washington DC. Harmeet Dhillon arrives for a news conference on 29 September 2025 in Washington DC. US midterm elections 2026 Harmeet Dhillon, controversial head of DoJ’s civil rights division, steps down Dhillon is first high-level justice department official to leave after historic Republican defeat in 2026 midterms
Prefer the Guardian on Google Harmeet Dhillon, a Donald Trump ally who led the justice department’s civil rights division, is leaving her position.
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