The unique cabinet official who is never called a Secretary

Cultures · Published 1 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the high-stakes hierarchy of the United States Cabinet, one figure stands apart. Not a Secretary of State or Defense, but the Attorney General. This chief law enforcement officer holds a singular title, a massive legal mandate, and a critical place in the presidential line of succession.

Established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, the Office of the Attorney General was originally tasked with prosecuting all United States suits in the Supreme Court and advising the President on legal questions. While the Department of Justice was not created to support these duties until 1870, the role has long been central to federal governance. Today, the Attorney General serves as the principal legal advisor to the President and is a member of both the Cabinet and the National Security Council.

The position carries immense weight, often ranked alongside the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Defense as one of the four most vital Cabinet posts. As the head of the Department of Justice, the Attorney General oversees a vast network of agencies, including the FBI, the DEA, and the U.S. Marshals Service. They also play a decisive role in the executive branch by advising on judicial appointments for federal positions.

Despite the gravity of the office, the title itself is often misunderstood. In standard American English, 'General' is a postpositive adjective describing the type of attorney, not a military rank. Consequently, the correct plural form is 'attorneys general' rather than 'attorney generals.' Administratively, the role is a Level I Executive Schedule position, earning a salary of $250,600 as of January 2025.

The transition of power also brings unique procedural nuances. Upon a new President's inauguration on January 20, the Attorney General typically resigns. However, the Deputy Attorney General is often requested to remain in an acting capacity, as seen in 2017 when Sally Yates stayed on to serve until Jeff Sessions was confirmed.

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