Trump upends DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, sparking ‘bloodbath’ in senior ranks

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has been significantly altered by the Trump administration, with many career managers being pushed out and new priorities being implemented that former and current officials say move away from its long-standing mission of enforcing anti-discrimination laws in hiring, housing, and voting rights.

According to sources, over a dozen senior lawyers with extensive experience have been reassigned, with some resigning due to frustration after being moved to less relevant roles. The changes have not been publicly announced, but were outlined in memos issued by division head Harmeet Dhillon, who is known for her conservative views and loyalty to Trump.

The new priorities include directives such as “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports” and “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” which diverge from the typical focus on enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. The changes have raised concerns among current and former employees, who fear that vital civil rights work may not be carried out.

The overhaul of the Civil Rights Division is part of a broader pattern within the federal government under the Trump administration, where nonpartisan civil servants have been replaced and agencies have been reoriented at an unprecedented pace. Former and current officials say the extent of the changes within the Civil Rights Division is particularly striking.

While different administrations have had varying enforcement priorities, the extent of the current administration’s redirection of the Civil Rights Division is seen as unprecedented. Former employees note that the division has shifted away from past enforcement actions, such as prosecuting hate crimes and challenging discriminatory laws.

Overall, the changes in the Civil Rights Division have raised concerns about its ability to fulfill its mission of protecting civil rights. Critics argue that the new priorities set by the Trump administration deviate significantly from the division’s traditional role and could hinder its effectiveness in upholding anti-discrimination laws.