President-elect Donald Trump has surprised many along with his nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General this Wednesday.
Gaetz’s nomination to the function — usually held by extra seasoned politicians with substantial authorized expertise — has sparked critical issues in regards to the 42-year-old’s {qualifications}. Additionally, the Florida politician has been a controversial determine, having confronted a years-long Justice Department investigation that started in 2019 into allegations of intercourse trafficking and obstruction of justice.
As the scenario evolves, right here’s every part you have to know in regards to the function, the subsequent steps following the nomination, and extra.
What Is the U.S. Attorney General?
The U.S. Attorney General is the pinnacle of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and serves because the chief legislation enforcement officer and authorized advisor to the president and the chief department. The Attorney General is liable for overseeing all the U.S. authorized system, together with businesses such because the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and U.S. Marshals Service.
The AG represents the federal government in authorized disputes and, in some circumstances, could personally argue circumstances earlier than the Supreme Court. Additionally, the Attorney General units priorities for federal prosecutors nationwide and ensures that federal legislation is enforced constantly throughout the nation.
How Is the U.S. Attorney General Appointed?
The U.S. Attorney General is nominated by the sitting president. While the nominee doesn’t must be a lawyer, most appointees traditionally have in depth authorized expertise, typically with backgrounds in legislation enforcement, non-public follow, or public service roles.
Once the president nominates a person, the nomination is shipped to the U.S. Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee usually holds hearings to query the nominee and assess their {qualifications}. This course of contains reviewing the nominee’s skilled historical past, authorized views, and talent to guide the Department of Justice (DOJ).
After the committee hearings, the nomination is introduced earlier than the total Senate for a vote. A easy majority (51 votes) is required for affirmation. If the Senate approves the nomination, the person is formally appointed as Attorney General.
How Long Does a U.S. Attorney General Hold Office?
The U.S. Attorney General serves on the discretion of the president and holds the place till they resign, are changed, or the president leaves workplace. There isn’t any fastened time period, however the Attorney General usually serves at some point of the president’s administration. However, the sitting president can exchange the AG at any time, and the appointment have to be confirmed by the Senate.
Who Is the Current U.S. Attorney General?
Merrick Garland is the present U.S. Attorney General, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The previous AGs over the past 10 years embrace:
- William Barr (2019–2021)
Appointed by Trump, Barr served as AG in the course of the remaining years of Trump’s presidency. - Matthew Whitaker (2018–2019)
Appointed by Trump as Acting Attorney General after Jeff Sessions‘ resignation. Whitaker served as performing AG till Barr’s affirmation. - Jeff Sessions (2017–2018)
Appointed by Trump, Sessions resigned underneath strain in 2018, largely attributable to tensions over his recusal from the Russia investigation. - Loretta Lynch (2015–2017)
Appointed by Barack Obama, Lynch served as AG throughout Obama’s second time period. - Eric Holder (2009–2015)
Appointed by Obama, Holder was the primary African American Attorney General and served all through Obama’s first time period.