Justice Department Undergoes Major Civil Rights Policy Shifts Under Trump
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division is undergoing significant policy changes as Donald Trump begins his second presidential term. These changes reflect broader shifts in the administration's approach to civil rights enforcement and cultural issues. The transition is marked by immediate action, with the department issuing a memo freezing civil rights cases and withdrawing from multiple Biden-era cases. Personnel changes include reassigning top appellate section officials to a new task force focused on sanctuary cities immigration enforcement. Trump has nominated Harmeet Dhillon, 56, to lead the Civil Rights Division. A California lawyer, Dhillon has previously challenged the 2020 election results and opposed state laws protecting gender-affirming surgery providers. While some former officials express concerns about her focus on "cultural grievance issues," others praise the administration's decisive approach to implementing campaign promises. Key policy changes include: The elimination of Diversity, Equity, […]