Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Morning Wire
• Host/Author: The Daily Wire
• Episode: DOJ's New Direction: Inside the Civil Rights Division
• Release Date: June 29, 2025

Hosts:

• John Bickley: Executive Editor, Daily Wire
• Georgia Howe: Co-host

Guest:

• Harmeet Dhillon: Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice (DOJ)

Introduction

In this episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe engage in a comprehensive discussion with Harmeet Dhillon, the newly appointed Assistant Attorney General leading the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice. The conversation delves into Dhillon's vision for the DOJ, critiques of the previous administration's civil rights policies, and the division's commitment to equitable enforcement of federal laws.

Harmeet Dhillon's Background and Appointment

Harmeet Dhillon brings decades of experience in defending American plaintiffs in civil rights cases. Having served as a summer intern at the DOJ over 30 years ago, Dhillon's career trajectory has been deeply rooted in civil rights advocacy.

Harmeet Dhillon [01:35]: "I jumped at that opportunity because I am passionate about civil rights. I've spent much of the last many years on civil rights issues on behalf of different American plaintiffs. It's near and dear to my heart."

Dhillon accepted the role amidst reflections on aligning her professional endeavors with her personal commitment to defending civil rights, despite sacrifices such as relocating from California and leaving a lucrative private practice.

Critique of the Previous Administration's Civil Rights Policies

Dhillon critiques the Biden administration's approach to civil rights enforcement, particularly highlighting perceived biases and misapplications of federal laws.

Harmeet Dhillon [03:51]: "The prior administration... really taken a very one-sided analysis on what kind of cases they were going to bring."

She specifically points out the misuse of the FACE Act, intended to protect health facilities and houses of worship, which she argues was predominantly applied against pro-life protesters rather than a balanced enforcement across all relevant parties.

Harmeet Dhillon [03:51]: "The vast majority of prosecutions under the FACE act... have been against pro life protesters... which wasn't the intention of the law."

Dhillon emphasizes that such biased enforcement undermines the true purpose of civil rights laws and fosters a divisive narrative against law enforcement.

DOJ's New Enforcement Strategy

Under Dhillon's leadership, the Civil Rights Division is shifting towards a more balanced and equitable enforcement of federal civil rights laws. The focus is on the evenhanded application of laws without political bias.

Harmeet Dhillon [04:45]: "The priorities are going to be the evenhanded application of our federal civil rights laws and not weaponizing them in favor of one side or the other."

This approach includes revisiting previous consent decrees and legal precedents to ensure that law enforcement is neither unjustly targeted nor exempt from accountability.

Enforcement of the FACE Act and Protection of Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Dhillon addresses concerns about the FACE Act's application post the overturning of Roe v. Wade, affirming the DOJ's commitment to protecting crisis pregnancy centers from misuse of the law.

Georgia Howe [07:11]: "What's your reaction to the fact that the former administration was using this as a response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade?"

Harmeet Dhillon [07:18]: "I think that's gross and it's a misuse of the law."

Dhillon calls for individuals affected by such misapplications to come forward, promising that the DOJ is open to investigating legitimate grievances with proper evidence.

Addressing Gender Ideology and Support for Detransitioners

Dhillon outlines the DOJ's initiatives to tackle issues related to gender ideology, including support for individuals seeking to detransition and ensuring fair treatment in gender-segregated spaces like sports.

Harmeet Dhillon [10:44]: "Institutions that have peddled this gender transition... have committed wholesale fraud, wholesale malpractice misconduct in so many ways."

She highlights ongoing efforts to hold medical practitioners accountable and to enforce laws that prevent discriminatory practices in educational and athletic institutions.

Response to Media Portrayals and Internal DOJ Reactions

Dhillon addresses the liberal media's portrayal of her role and the DOJ's new direction, attributing criticism to ideological differences within the department.

Harmeet Dhillon [14:55]: "The DOJ is part of the executive branch... Within those laws we have different criteria that we can enforce."

She notes that her appointment has led to some internal resignations from those who favored the previous administration's policies, framing it as a natural shift towards restoring balance and fairness in civil rights enforcement.

Conclusion

Harmeet Dhillon's tenure as Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division marks a significant pivot towards impartial and equitable enforcement of federal civil rights laws. Her commitment to addressing previous misapplications of the law, protecting vulnerable institutions, and ensuring fairness across all sectors underscores a robust agenda aimed at restoring trust and integrity within the DOJ.

Notable Quotes:

• Harmeet Dhillon [01:35]: "I jumped at that opportunity because I am passionate about civil rights."
• Harmeet Dhillon [03:51]: "The vast majority of prosecutions under the FACE act... have been against pro life protesters... which wasn't the intention of the law."
• Harmeet Dhillon [04:45]: "The priorities are going to be the evenhanded application of our federal civil rights laws and not weaponizing them in favor of one side or the other."
• Harmeet Dhillon [07:18]: "I think that's gross and it's a misuse of the law."
• Harmeet Dhillon [10:44]: "Institutions that have peddled this gender transition... have committed wholesale fraud, wholesale malpractice misconduct in so many ways."
• Harmeet Dhillon [14:55]: "The DOJ is part of the executive branch... Within those laws we have different criteria that we can enforce."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Morning Wire episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the DOJ's new direction under Harmeet Dhillon's leadership and the implications for civil rights enforcement in the United States.