President Trump is expected to announce additional leadership changes within the Justice Department, potentially affecting key positions including the Associate Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. These adjustments highlight ongoing shifts in the department’s direction and personnel.

Potential Leadership Changes

Sources revealed to CBS News on Saturday that President Trump is likely to announce changes impacting Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the third-highest-ranking official, and Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Senior officials have reportedly discussed promoting Dhillon and simultaneously demoting Woodward, though these decisions are not yet finalized.

Bondi's Departure and Interim Leadership

The potential promotion of Dhillon follows President Trump’s recent removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in the week, reportedly due to frustrations with her approach to pursuing criminal charges against his political adversaries. Following Bondi's departure, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was appointed as acting attorney general. It remains unclear whether Blanche will be appointed permanently.

Woodward's Background and Criticism

Stanley Woodward previously served as a defense attorney, representing several prominent allies of Trump, including Peter Navarro, Kash Patel, and Walt Nauta. He also represented Kelly Meggs, a member of the Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the January 6th Capitol attack, before Trump commuted his sentence. Woodward has faced criticism, particularly from far-right influencer Laura Loomer, due to his wife’s support for progressive causes.

Dhillon's Tenure and Division Shifts

Harmeet Dhillon, currently Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, is known for her loyalty to the President. Under her leadership, the Civil Rights Division has experienced significant personnel changes. Over the past year, more than 75% of the division’s attorneys have left, with many opting for buyouts or early retirements, some reportedly due to concerns about new mission statements issued by Dhillon.

Civil Rights Division Initiatives

Dhillon has closely adhered to Trump’s policy directives, initiating investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at universities. She has also filed lawsuits to prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports and pursued litigation to obtain unredacted voter registration records. Additionally, she established a new section within the division dedicated to gun rights.

Last year, Dhillon disrupted efforts to reach consent decrees with the police departments of Minneapolis and Louisville, despite previous investigations revealing systemic constitutional violations. Over 200 former Civil Rights Division attorneys issued an open letter accusing Dhillon of undermining the division’s mission.