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Sikh faith teaches me to fight for ‘defenseless’: Dhillon at senate confirmation hearing
What I will never do is use the DOJ Civil Rights Division as a partisan tool to push a political agenda, Dhillon said.
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Harmeet Dhillon / Image- judiciary.senate.gov
Harmeet Dhillon, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice (DOJ), emphasized her Sikh faith and immigrant background as driving forces behind her legal career during her Senate confirmation hearing on Feb. 26.
"My faith teaches me that it is a duty to stand up for the rights of the defenseless," she told the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighting her decades of work advocating for vulnerable communities.
Senator @ChuckGrassley asks Harmeet Dhillon about Title VI. @pnjaban: Senator, we have a problem throughout the United States, not just on the basis of race in universities but also religion. We've seen anti-Semitism sweep the nation and it is very problematic that many people… pic.twitter.com/tVC5AqbeEU
— Dhillon Law Group (@dhillonlaw) February 26, 2025
Dhillon, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, recalled the discrimination her family faced after settling in Smithfield, North Carolina. "When we moved to Smithfield in 1975, there was a sign on the highway as you enter town that said the United Klans of America welcome visitors to Smithfield," she said. While the sign was removed in 1977, she described being bullied for her appearance and faith.
Her Sikh upbringing, she stated, fueled her commitment to civil rights law. She highlighted her 32-year legal career, including advocacy for domestic violence survivors, asylum seekers, and victims of post-9/11 hate crimes. "My clients have included Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians”, she noted.
A personal attorney for President Donald Trump, Dhillon also addressed concerns about politicization within the DOJ. "He knows all too well how the Department of Justice may be weaponized for the wrong ends, for political persecution, for payback, for punishing protected speech and ideas," she said. "As his lawyer for several years, I too am keenly aware of how quickly justice may become unjust."
Pledging to act with integrity if confirmed, Dhillon stated, "What I will never do is use the DOJ Civil Rights Division as a partisan tool to push a political agenda." She also warned against policies that undermine fairness in education and elections, declaring, "Our democracy is the lifeblood of our republic. Insecurity in this process breeds mistrust. Mistrust breeds anxiety and anarchy."
Dhillon closed by reaffirming her deep appreciation for the United States. "We as a family are Americans by choice, and I can think of no higher honor as a lawyer than to be charged with defending and advancing the civil rights of all American citizens."
The Senate Judiciary Committee will now deliberate on her nomination before a full Senate vote.
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