If you’re trying to keep up with who is the United States attorney general, you’ve probably noticed the name Pam Bondi everywhere lately. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. Honestly, following the shuffle of D.C. appointments can feel like a full-time job. But as of January 2026, Bondi is the person sitting at the head of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
She took the reins in early 2025. Specifically, the Senate confirmed her on February 4, 2025, and she was sworn in the very next day. She’s the 87th person to hold the title.
The Current State of the DOJ Under Pam Bondi
So, who is she exactly? Most people recognize her from her time as the Attorney General of Florida. She held that spot for two terms, from 2011 to 2019. She was actually the first woman to ever hold that office in the Sunshine State.
Now she’s running the federal show.
Her appointment followed a pretty intense political cycle. After President Donald Trump’s return to office, the search for who is the United States attorney general became a major national headline. You might remember the initial buzz around Matt Gaetz, but after he withdrew his name, the spotlight shifted to Bondi.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
She won confirmation with a 54-46 vote. Interestingly, it wasn't a perfect party-line split; Senator John Fetterman was the lone Democrat to vote in her favor.
What is she actually doing?
Since taking office, Bondi has made it clear that her version of the DOJ looks different from the Merrick Garland era. There’s a heavy emphasis on what the administration calls "America First" law enforcement.
- Human Trafficking: This has been her "thing" for years. Back in Florida, she pushed for the creation of the Statewide Human Trafficking Council. She’s bringing that same energy to the federal level.
- The "Pill Mill" Legacy: One of her biggest claims to fame is her crackdown on oxycodone dispensers in Florida. You'll likely see the DOJ leaning harder into certain types of drug enforcement under her watch.
- Restructuring: Just recently, in January 2026, there’s been a massive push for a new National Fraud Enforcement division. This is a bit of a curveball because it’s designed to report more directly to the White House than previous setups.
Why the Attorney General Matters Right Now
The AG isn't just a figurehead. They are the "top cop." When you ask who is the United States attorney general, you’re asking who decides which federal crimes get prosecuted and which ones don't.
Right now, the DOJ is at the center of a tug-of-war over how independent the department should be from the President. Bondi has been a vocal supporter of the President for years—she even served as a Special Advisor during the first impeachment proceedings.
👉 See also: Franklin D Roosevelt Civil Rights Record: Why It Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
Because of that history, critics often worry about the "weaponization" of the department. On the flip side, supporters argue she’s "cleaning house" and refocusing the DOJ on street crime and fraud rather than political investigations. It’s a classic D.C. divide.
A Quick Look Back: Recent AG History
To understand the current vibe, you have to remember who came before.
- Merrick Garland (2021-2025): Known for a more "by-the-book," cautious approach. He was a former judge who tried to distance the DOJ from the White House.
- William Barr (2019-2020): Served under Trump’s first term. He was a veteran of the Bush era and a big believer in executive power.
- Jeff Sessions (2017-2018): A former Senator who had a famously rocky relationship with the President over the Russia investigation.
What to Watch in 2026
If you're following Bondi’s tenure, keep an eye on the lawsuits. Already this year, we've seen major friction between the federal DOJ and state-level Attorneys General.
For example, Oregon’s AG recently led a coalition to sue the federal government over funding conditions related to transgender healthcare policies. These are the kinds of "state vs. federal" brawls that end up in the Supreme Court.
✨ Don't miss: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
Bondi is also overseeing a massive shift in how the DOJ handles fraud. With the creation of that new division supervised by the Vice President’s office, the traditional "wall" between the White House and the DOJ is looking a lot thinner.
Actionable Takeaways for Staying Informed
Knowing who is the United States attorney general is just the first step. If you want to actually see how this affects your life, here’s how to track the DOJ’s impact:
- Check the "Justice News" Feed: The official DOJ website lists every major indictment and settlement. It’s the best way to see what they are actually prioritizing.
- Follow State AG Actions: Often, your state's Attorney General is the one fighting or supporting federal policies. Watch how they react to Bondi’s memos.
- Monitor Supreme Court Dockets: Many of the DOJ's current "America First" initiatives will likely be challenged. The rulings there will determine if Bondi’s changes stick long-term.
The role of the AG is always evolving. Whether you see Bondi as a necessary disruptor or a political appointee, there’s no denying she’s fundamentally changing how federal law is enforced in 2026.