President Donald Trump is poised to appoint Dan Bishop, the current Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, according to senior White House officials. Bishop, a conservative figure who has served in Congress since 2019, may begin his role as early as next week on an interim basis while awaiting Senate confirmation.
Bishop was previously confirmed by the Senate for his role at OMB in a narrow 53-45 vote earlier this year. His appointment comes at a time when he has been vocal about the need for significant reforms within the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (CRD), a sentiment echoed by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. The CRD has faced criticism for its perceived bias and for targeting political opponents, including high-profile figures like Elon Musk.
In his writings, Bishop has criticized the CRD for what he describes as selective enforcement and a focus on issues that align with a far-left agenda. He has pointed out the division's aggressive prosecutions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act while being lenient on threats against pregnancy counseling centers. Bishop's reform agenda includes addressing the enforcement of Title IX, ensuring election integrity, and curtailing government censorship.
Bishop's experience on the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has positioned him to investigate what he and others view as abuses by the Biden administration, particularly regarding the treatment of conservatives. He has highlighted concerns over the FBI's use of a “domestic terrorist” label for parents protesting at school board meetings and alleged manipulation of January 6 cases to create a narrative of increasing domestic terrorism.
As a commercial litigator for nearly three decades, Bishop has garnered recognition in legal circles, being named to Business NC’s “Legal Elite” and “Super Lawyers” lists multiple times. His background also includes service in the North Carolina state House and Senate, as well as a role as a county commissioner.
Bishop holds a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree. He was raised in North Carolina and has been married for 25 years, with a son currently pursuing a law degree.
In his new role as U.S. Attorney, Bishop will oversee all federal law enforcement operations in the Middle District of North Carolina, a position that will allow him to implement his vision for reforming the justice system and addressing what he perceives as governmental overreach.
Why it matters
- Primary documents and sources are linked for verification.
- Dan Bishop's appointment signals a potential shift in the DOJ's approach to civil rights, emphasizing reforms against perceived bias.
- His history of criticism towards the CRD may lead to significant changes in enforcement priorities, particularly regarding conservative issues.
- Bishop's experience in Congress and law may influence investigations into the Biden administration's actions against conservatives.
What’s next
- Bishop may begin his role as U.S. Attorney next week on an interim basis, pending Senate confirmation.
- Senate confirmation hearings for Bishop's appointment are expected to take place soon, with potential debates on his reform agenda.