Trump Appoints Craig Trainor to Lead DOJ Civil Rights Division

President Donald Trump appointed Craig Trainor as the acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Second Amendment section. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the appointment on November 10, 2026.

Trainor previously served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He replaces Harmeet Dhillon, who resigned on November 5 to return to private practice. Jesus Osete briefly filled the role between Dhillon's departure and Trainor's appointment.

The appointment occurs during a wider leadership transition within the Department of Justice. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones, and national security official John Eisenberg have all submitted resignations. Additionally, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles announced that November 6 was her final day in office.