President Trump’s Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is experiencing a significant exodus. This mass exodus represents a stark ideological divide between the previous administration’s civil rights priorities and Trump’s more conservative approach. Why are attorneys opting out of combating antisemitism on college campuses?
Mass Exodus Reshapes Civil Rights Division
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is undergoing a dramatic transformation as hundreds of veteran lawyers choose departure over alignment with new priorities. Division head Harmeet K. Dhillon has openly embraced this exodus, characterizing it as a welcome separation from attorneys who allegedly prioritize “woke ideology” over enforcing federal civil rights laws.
Dhillon plans to swiftly hire replacements for the departing attorneys, with over 100 lawyers expected to accept severance packages rather than adapt to the division’s new focus. The mass departure follows directives to redirect resources toward addressing antisemitism on college campuses and enforcing laws related to sanctuary cities, representing a significant shift from previous civil rights priorities.
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 Justice Department Overhaul
President Trump recently visited the Justice Department, declaring a “new chapter” aimed at ending what he described as the “weaponization” of government against political opponents. The event was notable for its attendance by local sheriffs, law enforcement officials, and supporters wearing “Make America Great Again” caps, signaling the administration’s emphasis on a law-and-order approach.
Trump has filled top Justice Department positions with loyalists and personal defense attorneys, including Pam Bondi, who was sworn in as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Bondi, who previously defended Trump during his impeachment, has already directed officials to defend the presidency’s interests and stood alongside Trump during his remarks at the department.
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
Shifting Priorities and Policy Changes
Beyond personnel changes, Dhillon has announced plans to halt the Biden administration’s support for transgender prison inmates, criticizing previous legal arguments as “junk science.” This represents one of several policy reversals expected as the Civil Rights Division realigns its focus under the new administration.
Trump used his Justice Department appearance to address personal grievances, including allegations of spying on his campaign and legal actions taken against him during previous administrations. The president’s speech focused heavily on declaring victory over political rivals and federal officials who had prosecuted him, framing the department’s transformation as part of a broader effort to reshape federal institutions according to his vision of justice enforcement.