What does the U.S. attorney general do?

Congress created the position of attorney general in 1789 so the national government had a designated lawyer to conduct federal lawsuits for crimes against the United States.
Karma Rowe · 3 months ago · 2 minutes read


The Attorney General: Enforcer, Advisor, and Political Firebrand

The Role of the Attorney General

As the nation's top lawyer, the Attorney General wields immense power. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, they lead the Department of Justice (DOJ), the vanguard of both politics and the judiciary.

Representing the United States

The Attorney General represents the United States in all legal matters, supervising federal prosecutions nationwide and advising federal agencies on legal intricacies.

In recent months, DOJ attorneys:

  • Prosecuted a trade secrets conspirator
  • Collaborated on Baltimore police reforms
  • Exposed discrimination in Arizona's child safety system

Advising the Government

The Attorney General also advises the President and cabinet heads on legal matters, including judicial and prosecutorial appointments.

Department of Justice: A Vast Network

With over 115,000 employees, the DOJ houses:

  • Litigation units specializing in various legal disciplines
  • Law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA
  • Corrections agencies like the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Politics and the Law: A Delicate Balance

Balancing the political and legal aspects of their role, Attorneys General face the challenge of separating partisan politics from their duties as chief legal officers.

Examples of politicization:

  • Roberto Gonzales's controversial firing of U.S. attorneys under Bush
  • Loretta Lynch's meeting with Bill Clinton during the Hillary Clinton investigation under Obama

Trump's Nomination and its Implications

Trump's nomination of Pam Bondi has raised concerns about his influence over the DOJ. Some critics view it as a move to control the department's agenda, including leveraging the FBI.

Janet Reno: A Model Attorney General

Janet Reno, under President Clinton, exemplified high ethical standards and became the longest-serving Attorney General of the 20th century.

The Senate's Role

The fate of the nation's top law enforcement official now rests in the hands of politicians as the Senate prepares to confirm Bondi or appoint another individual to the post.