The U.S. Attorney General heads the U.S. Department of Justice and serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General serves as the principal legal adviser to the President of the United States on all legal matters and is a statutory member of the Cabinet.
Key Responsibilities of the U.S. Attorney General
Legal adviser:
Provides legal opinions and advice to the President and the executive departments.
Chief law enforcement officer: Oversees federal law enforcement agencies and ensures the enforcement of federal laws.
Representation in court:
Represents the United States in legal matters, including appearing before the Supreme Court in cases of extraordinary importance.
Policy implementation:
Implements and enforces federal policies and programs related to justice and law enforcement.
Current U.S. Attorney General
As of February 5, 2025, Pam Bondi is the U.S. Attorney General. She was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 54–46 and is a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump. Bondi has previously served as Florida’s attorney general and has a background in prosecuting crime and fighting drug trafficking.
Historical Context of the U.S. Attorney General
The position of Attorney General was established by Congress in September 1789, making it one of the oldest Cabinet positions. The first Attorney General was Edmund Randolph, who served under President George Washington.
List of U.S. Attorneys General:
The U.S. Attorney General is the head of the U.S. Department of Justice and the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. Here is a brief overview of the current and some past U.S. Attorneys General:
| Name | Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pam Bondi | 2025 – Present | Succeeded Merrick Garland; a former Florida Attorney General and Trump ally. |
| Merrick Garland | 2021 – 2025 | Oversaw the Justice Department during the aftermath of the Capitol riot. |
| William Barr | 2019 – 2021 | Served two non-consecutive terms; previously held the position under George H.W. Bush. |
| Jeff Sessions | 2017 – 2018 | Resigned after facing criticism from President Trump. |
| Loretta Lynch | 2015 – 2017 | First African-American woman to hold the office. |
| Eric Holder | 2009 – 2015 | Served as the first African-American Attorney General. |
Importance of the U.S. Attorney General
The Attorney General plays a key role in shaping the legal landscape of the United States and ensuring that justice is done at the federal level. The decisions and actions of the officeholder can have a significant impact on national policies and the enforcement of laws.
