Harmeet Dhillon Resigns From DOJ Civil Rights Post After White House Asked Her to Wait

Harmeet Dhillon resigned on Nov. 5, 2026, as assistant attorney general for the DOJ Civil Rights Division, Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on X. Blanche said she led the division with conviction the past 18 months and defended the civil liberties of every American without fear or favor. Dhillon told Fox News she submitted her resignation about three weeks before the midterms and that chief of staff Susie Wiles asked her to wait until after the vote. Democrats had won both chambers. She is returning to Dhillon Law Group in California. She shifted the division toward religious liberty, gun rights, campus antisemitism and election integrity, withdrew earlier police-investigation findings, and saw repeated losses in voter-roll data suits. One source says more than three-quarters of attorneys left; another says more than half. Two sources cited frustration at being passed over for promotion. Tenure is listed as 18 months by Blanche and 19 by one report. Stacey Young called her the most destructive, lawless, and hateful head in DOJ history. Sharon McGowan said the exit is welcome if overdue and urged Congress to restore the division's mission. Rachel Maddow noted Dhillon can no longer be impeached while Blanche still can. Erin Reed hoped Congress investigates targeting of trans people.