India Origin Harmeet Dhillon Resigns as US Civil Rights Chief After Midterm Elections, Denies Being Asked to Quit

Indian-American lawyer Harmeet Dhillon has resigned as the US Justice Department’s civil rights chief following Tuesday’s midterm elections, with her departure coming amid criticism from Democrats over her tenure in the Trump administration.

Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Thursday that he had accepted Dhillon’s resignation. The Chandigarh-born attorney, however, said her decision to step down had been made weeks before the elections and was not linked to the Republican Party’s electoral performance.

Dhillon Says Resignation Was Not Election-Driven

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Dhillon rejected suggestions that she had been asked to leave the Justice Department following the midterm elections.

“I wasn’t asked to resign,” she said. “I resigned three weeks ago, and Susie asked me to please wait until after the midterms.”

She was referring to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who had reportedly requested that Dhillon delay her departure until the elections were over.

Fox News Digital reported that Dhillon formally submitted her resignation on November 5, according to a letter it obtained.

Dhillon said she wanted to return to private legal practice and believed she had completed the work she had come to Washington to do.

Dhillon Defends Her Record in Trump Administration

In a statement on X, Dhillon thanked President Donald Trump for appointing her and defended her record as head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.

“Serving my country as AAG for Civil Rights has been the honour of a lifetime,” she wrote.

She also highlighted the administration's actions against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and its efforts concerning women's participation in sports.

“We ushered in the downfall of illegal DEI, we fought to protect women and girls’ sports, and so much more,” Dhillon said.

“I want to thank President Trump for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to what’s next!” she added.

Attorney General Todd Blanche also praised her leadership, saying she had defended civil liberties and enforced the law without fear or favour.

Democrats Criticise Her Tenure

Dhillon's resignation drew criticism from Democrats and a group representing former Justice Department employees.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accused her of using her position to advance Trump's personal and political interests rather than protect Americans. He portrayed her departure as part of the political fallout following the Republican Party's electoral setback.

Stacey Young, head of the Justice Department alumni group Justice Connection, also criticised Dhillon's tenure, according to The Hill.

Young accused her of moving the Civil Rights Division away from its traditional responsibilities, pointing to the termination of police reform investigations and agreements and its approach towards universities and election officials.

While Dhillon and Blanche defended her record, critics argued that the division had shifted away from protecting vulnerable communities.

From Chandigarh to Washington

Born in Chandigarh, Dhillon lived in London before her family moved to the Bronx in New York and later settled in North Carolina.

She graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law before founding the Dhillon Law Group and the Center for American Liberty.

Trump nominated her in December 2024. The US Senate confirmed her appointment on April 3, 2025, and she was sworn in four days later.