As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to form his second administration, one of the most important decisions he will face is selecting an Attorney General. This key position at the Justice Department, which Trump and his allies claim became politically biased under President Joe Biden, will have significant implications for the direction of U.S. law enforcement and policy.
Trump’s relationship with the Justice Department has been rocky during his presidency. He repeatedly attempted to interfere in investigations, including blocking the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He also pushed unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in 2020, and now, after leaving office, Trump faces multiple legal battles, including investigations into his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents.
Given his turbulent history with the department, Trump’s choice for Attorney General will be crucial in reshaping its future. The individual he appoints will likely play a significant role in furthering his political agenda and addressing the legal challenges that remain on the horizon.
“This is one of the most important picks Trump will make, and he will likely choose someone who not only aligns with his views but also someone with the power to carry out his policies with vigor,” said Mark Corallo, a former Justice Department spokesperson. “Trump needs someone who commands authority within the department and will be unafraid to make bold moves, even if controversial.”
With that in mind, here are some of the names that are being floated for the Attorney General role, based on reports and sources close to the transition:
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah)
Senator Mike Lee is one of the top contenders mentioned for the Attorney General role. Lee, a close ally of Trump, worked with the White House during the 2020 election aftermath and was involved in efforts to challenge the election results. Although he ultimately voted to certify the election, Lee expressed strong support for Trump’s claims of voter fraud and pushed for legal challenges.
Lee has a legal background, having clerked for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, and has been a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for 14 years. His experience in both law and politics makes him a strong candidate for the role, particularly given his longstanding loyalty to Trump.
John Ratcliffe
John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence under Trump, is another name frequently mentioned for Attorney General. Ratcliffe served as a Congressman from Texas and was a staunch defender of Trump during investigations into the 2016 election. He was later appointed by Trump to oversee the U.S. intelligence community, where he took a hardline approach to defending Trump’s policies.
Ratcliffe’s work on national security and intelligence issues, combined with his unwavering support for Trump during the Russia investigation, has made him a key figure in the former president’s inner circle.
Jeffrey Clark
Jeffrey Clark, a former assistant attorney general in Trump’s first term, is also being considered for the position. Clark was involved in efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election and even drafted a letter urging states to investigate claims that were largely debunked. His controversial role in Trump’s post-election strategy led to a showdown within the Justice Department, where senior officials threatened to resign over his potential appointment as Attorney General.
Clark is currently facing legal scrutiny for his actions, including his involvement in the Georgia election interference case. His controversial actions during the election aftermath have raised concerns about his suitability for the position.
Judge Aileen Cannon
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump in 2020, has been mentioned as a potential pick for Attorney General. Cannon garnered national attention for her rulings in Trump’s case involving classified documents, where she made decisions that were seen as favorable to the former president. Critics, however, argue that her decisions were overly lenient, with two of her rulings being overturned by higher courts.
Despite the criticism, Trump has praised Cannon as a “highly respected federal judge” and may view her as a strong candidate for the role. Cannon’s decisions in sensitive cases could shape her chances, especially as Trump’s legal battles continue.
Mike Davis
Mike Davis, a former law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and a key figure in Trump’s judicial nominations, is also on the list of potential candidates. Davis was a staunch supporter of Trump’s legal and political agenda throughout his presidency and has been an outspoken defender of the former president during various legal investigations.
Davis’s combative style and his aggressive defense of Trump’s policies make him a natural fit for the Attorney General role in Trump’s second term. His firm stance on judicial nominations and his work to ensure conservative appointments to the federal courts have made him a prominent figure in Trump’s inner circle.
Mark Paoletta
Mark Paoletta, a former top legal advisor to Trump and a veteran of the White House, is another name being discussed for the Attorney General role. Paoletta served as general counsel for the Office of Management and Budget, where he had a significant role in overseeing federal spending and policy changes. He also played a key role in preparing Trump’s Supreme Court nominees and Cabinet officials for confirmation.
Paoletta’s deep connections to Trump’s administration, combined with his extensive legal experience, make him a strong candidate for the position. His work on key legal matters and his familiarity with Trump’s agenda give him the inside track on the job.
Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, a senior adviser during Trump’s presidency and one of his top policy architects, is also a possible choice for Attorney General. Miller was instrumental in crafting Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including the “zero-tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the border.
While Miller is not a lawyer, his strong influence on Trump’s administration and his work on legal matters related to immigration make him a candidate who could be tapped for the job. He has been a vocal advocate for Trump’s policies and has continued to champion those causes through his group, America First Legal.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General will be one of the most significant decisions of his potential second term. The individual chosen will play a crucial role in executing Trump’s policies, particularly in areas like immigration and national security, while also navigating the ongoing legal challenges Trump faces. Whoever is selected will likely be someone who is deeply loyal to Trump’s agenda and unafraid to take bold actions, even if they spark controversy.
The selection process will be critical for shaping the future of the Justice Department and its role in American politics, particularly as Trump continues to challenge the status quo and reshape the legal landscape.