Staff Reports
Leo Terrell, a former Democrat turned Trump supporter, is shaking things up as the new Senior Counsel in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. Known for his fiery TV commentary, Terrell now leads efforts to tackle antisemitism on college campuses. His appointment has sparked cheers from conservatives who say it’s time to restore “law and order” after years of liberal policies.
Terrell recently launched a federal task force targeting antisemitism in cities like New York and Chicago. He’s meeting with city leaders, police, and Jewish students to crack down on hate crimes. “Enough is enough,” Terrell said, vowing to sue universities that don’t protect Jewish students. Critics call it a political stunt, but supporters say it’s overdue.
Before joining the DOJ, Terrell made headlines slamming Black Lives Matter protests. He called the 2020 riots “painful” and accused activists of using George Floyd’s death as an excuse for violence. “Burning buildings doesn’t solve police misconduct,” he argued, saying chaos hurt minority communities most. His tough talk won him fans on the right who see him as a truth-teller.
Now Terrell wants to expand his focus. Insiders say he’s eyeing a new task force to investigate “anti-white bias” in hiring and education. Liberals rolled their eyes, calling it a distraction. But conservatives praise the move, saying programs like DEI have gone too far. “We need fairness, not favors,” one Trump ally said.
Terrell’s journey from Democrat to Republican shocked many. He quit the NAACP in 2020, calling it “out of touch,” and backed Trump’s push for stricter policing. His switch highlights a growing rift between old-school civil rights leaders and a new guard demanding accountability — not excuses — for crime.
The DOJ’s canceling of $400 million in grants to Columbia University shows Terrell means business. He’s vowed to defund schools that tolerate antisemitism, saying taxpayers shouldn’t bankroll hate. “Universities have failed our kids,” he said. Education groups pan the move, but parents fed up with campus chaos are cheering.
Terrell’s critics call him a hypocrite. They point to his past work fighting police misconduct and ask why he’s silent now. But supporters say he’s evolved, putting facts over feelings. “The left used to care about free speech,” Terrell shot back. “Now they cancel anyone who disagrees.”
Love him or hate him, Terrell’s no-nonsense style is making waves. With lawsuits pending and more task forces planned, he’s become the face of Trump’s “America First” justice agenda. As one supporter put it: “Finally, someone’s cleaning house.”
