DOJ Civil Rights Division Sees Over 70% Attorney Turnover Amid Radical Shift in Enforcement Priorities

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, head of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, signaled new investigative actions on social media, stating, "> This is deeply concerning. @CivilRights has questions and will look into this! @TheJusticeDept" The announcement comes as the division undergoes a significant overhaul, marked by a dramatic reorientation of its mission and a substantial exodus of its legal staff. The specific subject of Dhillon's concern and the impending investigation remains undisclosed in her tweet.

Dhillon was confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in April 2025 under the Trump administration, bringing a background as a prominent Republican lawyer known for her involvement in culture war issues. Her appointment was widely seen as a signal of fundamental changes to the division's long-standing enforcement priorities. Prior to her role, she was recognized for challenging COVID-19 restrictions, advocating for conservative causes, and representing clients in high-profile free speech and election-related lawsuits.

Under Dhillon's leadership, the Civil Rights Division has shifted its focus away from traditional areas like voting rights, police accountability, and housing discrimination. New priorities include targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, investigating issues related to gender-affirming care, and combating antisemitism, often aligning with the administration's broader policy objectives. This redirection has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates who argue it undermines the division's historical mandate.

The shift in mission has coincided with significant internal turmoil and staff departures within the division. Reports indicate that more than 70% of attorneys who were with the Civil Rights Division at the start of the administration have since left, totaling approximately 250 lawyers. Overall, the division has seen 368 employees depart since the administration took office, out of over 400, with many taking deferred retirement programs or resigning due to the altered enforcement directives.

This mass exodus and the redefinition of the division's mandate have raised concerns among former officials and civil rights organizations about the future of civil rights enforcement in the United States. Critics suggest the division is being repurposed to serve a political agenda rather than upholding its traditional role of protecting the constitutional rights of all Americans. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the profound impact of the new leadership on this critical federal agency.