What does the US attorney general actually do? A law professor explains
What does the US attorney general actually do? A law professor explains
Publish Date: 2026-04-03 11:21:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
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Firing and Short Tenure: President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after just 14 months in office, making her tenure the shortest in 60 years.
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Role and Responsibilities: The attorney general is tasked with leading the Department of Justice (DOJ), supervising federal prosecutions, and providing legal advice to the president and cabinet.
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Historical Context: The position was created in 1789 to allow the national government a designated lawyer, which evolved into a full-time role as federal responsibilities grew.
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DOJ Structure: The DOJ employs over 115,000 people across various units, including law enforcement, corrections, and grant administration agencies like FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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Political and Legal Challenges: Attorneys general face the challenge of separating policy advisory from legal duties, often due to their close connection with the president and potential politicization.
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Succession Process: After firing Bondi, Trump named Todd Blanche as acting attorney general and is rumored to be considering Lee Zeldin for the permanent role, raising concerns about the DOJ’s politicization.
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Public Confidence: A lack of confidence in the DOJ reflects ongoing concerns about the connection between the president and the attorney general, highlighted by past controversies.
