DoJ civil-rights officials clash over anti-Semitism policy and Columbia funding deal

A detailed one outlet's profile of Harmeet Dhillon, appointed by Donald Trump as assistant attorney general for civil rights, exposed a fierce conflict with Leo Terrell, a senior counsel in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and head of its anti-Semitism task force. Terrell is reported to have repeatedly raised concerns to former Attorney General Pam Bondi about Dhillon’s alleged disrespect, forwarding hostile emails as evidence.

In turn, Dhillon is said to have disparaged Terrell’s qualifications to Bondi and others, questioning his suitability for the role. Their discord also covered the DOJ’s July 2025 agreement with Columbia University to restore $400 million in federal funding after accusations of campus anti-Semitism. Mid-2025, a senior aide for Dhillon warned Terrell of possible dismissal if he continued unsanctioned one outlet appearances, leading Terrell to claim jealousy over airtime.

The rivalry grew so acute that the two have barely spoken since early last summer, and a later incident involving an aide’s alleged request to follow Terrell into a bathroom was denied. DOJ spokesperson Emily Covington defended Dhillon’s team, asserting their record speaks for itself.