X Used in Real Time to Fight Civil Rights Violations with Harmeet Dhillon at the Helm [WATCH]

Attorney Kurt Schlichter and Justice Department official Harmeet Dhillon discussed what they described as a shift in how the Department of Justice responds to emerging issues, particularly those first exposed through social media, pointing to faster investigations and direct action based on online reporting rather than traditional media cycles.

Schlichter said he has been struck by how quickly the DOJ now reacts when an issue gains attention online, calling the approach a significant departure from past practices.

“I’ve been so impressed at how how responsive you are in your division to things that are happening, kind of in the social media world, things that have become visible and kind of erupt,” Schlichter said.

He cited situations in which online reporting quickly prompted federal scrutiny.

“It becomes a thing on social media, and then suddenly the DOJ, is there, going, Yes, we’re aware of this. Now we’re investigating. That’s kind of revolutionary to be that responsive,” he said.

Dhillon agreed and said the shift reflects a willingness by some officials to engage directly with information sources outside traditional media channels.

“Well, I think that’s correct. I mean, there are couple of reasons for that,” she said.

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Dhillon argued that many in the legal profession are reluctant to engage online.

“First of all, lawyers are kind of Fuddy duddies about using the internet and being engaged,” she said.

Dhillon noted that she and Schlichter are unusual in combining legal careers with an active social media presence.

“You know, you and I are among the few on the right who have been both successful lawyers and also very actively engaged on social media,” she said.

She explained that her online activity predates her DOJ role. “I have a big social media following from before I joined the DOJ, about 1.5 million plus followers online.”

According to Dhillon, social media provides real-time information that legacy outlets no longer deliver efficiently.

“I do find it a very valuable tool, because you have to keep up,” she said.

“Today, I don’t actually watch television very much. I’m not, you know, I don’t have the TV on in the background, because TV is like 12 to 24, hours behind what’s really happening.”

Dhillon said independent online journalists now drive many of the most important leads. “When the modern day journalist heroes, who are the Nick Shirley’s, and you know the Matt Taibbi and some of these others who you know right or left, they’re the ones who are getting the leads and sharing the stories in real time,” she said. “Those are the ones I pay attention to.”

She added that online accounts can also surface issues involving public institutions.

“Where we get our attention on something, or libs of Tiktok is also a great source for some of our issues involving schools or employment,” Dhillon said.

Dhillon acknowledged that opening investigations based on online information has drawn criticism but defended the practice.

“We do open up investigations based on internet leads, and I am proud of that,” she said.

“I got mocked a little bit by prior pearl clutching DOJ officials and even some former Republican members of Congress.”

She rejected the idea that online engagement is unserious. “I think it’s quote, unquote not serious to be online and engaging with the public. Well, I think it is serious,” Dhillon said.

“I think it is a public calling and a duty.”

Dhillon pointed to a specific case where online reporting led to immediate results without litigation.

“Sometimes simply tweeting about something or writing a letter stops it dead in its tracks,” she said.

“I stopped a ridiculous DEI program in Asheville, North Carolina by reading about it online, responding to a internet journalist whistleblower, sending a letter, and boom, no shots fired in court because they simply stopped what they were doing.”

She said that outcome illustrates what citizens should expect from federal officials.

“That is really effectiveness in action, and that’s what people should expect from their government officials,” Dhillon said.

WATCH:

Social media enhances our work at the @CivilRights Division. I keep up with civil rights leads on X every day and fight for ALL Americans relentlessly. This @TheJusticeDept listens directly to real Americans—and we always will! pic.twitter.com/hhMnOPqJaC

— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) December 31, 2025