As President-elect Donald Trump builds his next administration, selecting an Attorney General becomes a key decision. This choice will shape the Justice Department, which Trump and his supporters believe was politicized during Biden’s tenure.
Trump’s History with the Justice Department
Trump’s relationship with the Justice Department has been marked by conflict. During his first term, he tried to block several investigations. These included the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and voter fraud claims after the 2020 election loss.
Since leaving office, Trump has faced legal scrutiny. This includes investigations into the January 6th Capitol attack and the handling of classified documents. His choice of Attorney General now carries even more significance.
This selection will impact how the department operates and its relationship with the White House. Trump’s pick will reflect his goal to reshape the department to support his agenda.
“Trump needs someone strong, authoritative, and willing to enforce his policies boldly,” said Mark Corallo, a former Justice Department spokesperson. Corallo emphasized the need for an assertive figure who commands respect within the department.
Trump is expected to pick someone loyal to him and his policies. Such a person would be unlikely to hesitate in supporting actions like stricter immigration enforcement or pursuing political rivals. Critics argue this could erode the department’s independence, traditionally seen as free from White House interference.
“Trump values loyalty and places allies in key roles,” said Wayne Unger, assistant law professor at Quinnipiac University. “This approach may undermine the department’s checks and balances with the White House.”
Potential Candidates for Attorney General
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah)
Senator Mike Lee is a strong contender for the Attorney General role. A Trump ally, Lee has been involved in several key legal battles. During the January 6th Capitol riot, Trump mistakenly called Lee while attempting to contact another senator. Lee also engaged in discussions about challenging the 2020 election results.
Lee’s legal experience includes clerking for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee. His conservative stance and close ties to Trump make him a prime candidate.
John Ratcliffe
Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe is another top contender. Ratcliffe’s experience includes defending Trump during investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
As Trump’s top intelligence official, Ratcliffe played a significant role in national security. His loyalty to Trump’s agenda and his intelligence experience make him a likely pick. However, some critics question his legal qualifications for the role.
Jeffrey Clark
Jeffrey Clark, a former assistant attorney general, was briefly considered for Attorney General during Trump’s first term. Clark’s role in pushing to overturn the 2020 election made him a controversial figure.
Clark’s efforts to encourage states to review election results led to internal Justice Department resignations. His appointment as Attorney General was fiercely opposed by department officials. Clark now faces legal scrutiny for his role in the Georgia election case and may face disciplinary action from the D.C. Bar.
Judge Aileen Cannon
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon is another possible candidate. Appointed by Trump in 2020, she drew attention for rulings in Trump’s favor regarding classified documents. Cannon dismissed charges against Trump related to his handling of classified materials post-presidency.
Critics argue her rulings were overly favorable to Trump, and some of her decisions were later overturned by higher courts. Despite this, Trump’s supporters view her as a respected figure, making her a possible candidate.
Mike Davis
Mike Davis, a former law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, is also a contender. Davis played a central role in Trump’s judicial nominations and is known for his strong rhetoric in defense of Trump.
Davis’s confrontational style has made him a vocal critic of Trump’s political opponents. He has publicly warned key figures like Liz Cheney and Special Counsel Jack Smith to “lawyer up” in response to investigations into Trump’s actions during the January 6th insurrection.
Mark Paoletta
Mark Paoletta, a former legal advisor to the Trump administration, is another name under consideration. Paoletta’s experience includes serving as general counsel for the Office of Management and Budget, where he influenced federal spending policy.
Paoletta also played a role in Trump’s Supreme Court nominations and represented Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, during the House investigation into January 6. His ties to Trump’s legal agenda make him a possible choice for Attorney General.
Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser on immigration, is also seen as a potential pick. While Miller is not a lawyer, his role in shaping Trump’s immigration policies, including the “zero-tolerance” family separation policy, underscores his influence.
Miller’s legal impact extends through his organization, America First Legal, which promotes Trump’s priorities in court. His loyalty to Trump and firm stance on immigration make him a possible but controversial option for the role.
Conclusion
The choice of Attorney General will be one of Trump’s most important decisions as he shapes his potential second-term agenda. The person chosen will have a pivotal role in advancing Trump’s legal and political priorities. With ongoing legal challenges and a clear vision for reshaping the Justice Department, Trump’s pick for Attorney General will have a lasting impact on the department and the country’s broader legal landscape.