The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is experiencing a significant exodus of veteran attorneys. The division head expressed support for the departure of attorneys, describing it as a “new chapter” for the Justice Department that returns to its core mission. Will this shift affect ongoing civil rights cases?
Mass Exodus Amid Shifting Priorities
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is undergoing a dramatic transformation as hundreds of veteran lawyers have opted to leave their positions. Division head Harmeet K. Dhillon has been surprisingly candid about the departures, expressing relief rather than concern about losing experienced staff members.
According to reports, over 100 attorneys are expected to accept severance packages as the division pivots toward new priorities established by the Trump administration. The mass departure follows directives to focus on addressing antisemitism on college campuses and confronting sanctuary cities amid the ongoing migration crisis.
The philosophical divide has deepened as Dhillon emphasized enforcing federal civil rights laws over what she characterized as “woke ideology” practiced by departing attorneys. She plans to move quickly to hire new attorneys who align with the administration’s vision for the division, ensuring continuity in operations despite the significant personnel changes.
DOGE: How do you get half of the woke lawyers in the DOJ to quit? Tell them they're going to have to combat antisemitism and keep men out of women's bathrooms. Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon managed to get 50% of the woke lawyers in the Civil Rights Division to voluntarily resign. pic.twitter.com/rE7iijf7K8
— @amuse (@amuse) April 29, 2025
Trump’s Vision for the Justice Department
President Trump has declared a “new chapter” for the Justice Department, aiming to end what he describes as the “weaponization” of government. His recent speech at the department focused on declaring victory over political rivals and federal officials who had previously prosecuted him, signaling a significant shift in priorities and approach.
The administration has filled top Justice Department positions with loyalists and personal defense attorneys, reinforcing the commitment to this new direction. Pam Bondi, who defended Trump during his impeachment proceedings, was sworn in as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, further cementing the administration’s control over the division’s future direction.
Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon just made 50% of the woke Civil Rights Division quit.
Enforce the law, not woke ideology—simple as that.
Based. pic.twitter.com/9fqzOtozmS
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 29, 2025
Policy Changes and Future Direction
Among the most notable policy shifts, Dhillon intends to halt the Biden administration’s support for transgender prison inmates, criticizing previous legal arguments as “junk science.” This represents just one of many expected changes as the division realigns its priorities under the new leadership.
The transition event was attended by local sheriffs, law enforcement officials, and supporters wearing “Make America Great Again” caps, highlighting the administration’s emphasis on law enforcement partnerships. Bondi has already instructed officials to defend the presidency’s interests, signaling a pronounced shift away from the previous administration’s civil rights priorities toward more conservative interpretations of civil rights law.