President-elect Donald Trump is building out his administration with bold and familiar names, signaling his priorities for a second term. Among his latest appointments is a well-known Fox News contributor who has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s vision for America. Leo Terrell, the prominent civil rights attorney and political commentator, will join the DOJ as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Terrell will work closely with Harmeet K. Dhillon, Trump’s nominee for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. The duo is poised to lead key initiatives in one of the most scrutinized divisions of the Justice Department.
Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, calling Terrell a “highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst” with a career marked by significant achievements. “Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American people,” Trump wrote, pointing out Terrell’s ability to tackle high-profile cases and defend the principles of equal treatment under the law. The president-elect also highlighted Terrell’s background, which includes a law degree from UCLA and decades of legal experience.
Terrell is known for his appearances on Fox News, where he often discusses issues related to race, law, and politics. Once a Democrat, Terrell switched his political affiliation to Republican in 2020, a move he has spoken about openly, citing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s policies and leadership. He became a vocal supporter of Trump and conservative policies, frequently engaging in debates on topics like social justice, police reform, and the state of American politics. His direct and often fiery commentary has made him a figure in the media.
In response, Terrell shared his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “Today was my last day at Fox News,” he revealed in an X video. Reflecting on his time with the network, he thanked Fox News for providing a platform to voice his views and engage in meaningful debates. “For the last four and a half years, you gave me the opportunity to debate and discuss the issues facing this great country, and I truly appreciate it. I made a lot of great friends at Fox News, one of the best, if not the best, news organization ever. Today, the president of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump appointed me as a senior counsel to the assistant attorney general in the civil rights division.”
Once a Democrat, Terrell made headlines for his transformation into a staunch Trump supporter, earning him the moniker Leo 2.0. “I want to thank the president. I accepted the position because I want to help President Trump make America great,” he said. “This is an honor. And for those people who have heard me articulate my views on the equality of law and treating everyone fair, help is on the way.” Terrell vowed to bring his expertise and convictions to his new role in Washington, “For those people who believe that the system was used illegally against certain groups because of their political views, help is on the way.”
