Then and Now: Comparing Attorneys General John Mitchell and Pam Bondi

A look at the contrasts and parallels between two controversial figures leading the Department of Justice

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In this episode of "Then and Now", hosts Jonathan Alter and Julian Zelizer discuss the similarities and differences between former Attorney General John Mitchell under President Nixon and current Attorney General Pam Bondi. While Mitchell was a serious but corrupt figure, Bondi has taken a more confrontational and public approach, with both being accused of lying and undermining the independence of the Department of Justice.

Why it matters

The comparison highlights how the Department of Justice can become a tool of the president rather than an institution upholding the law for the nation when its autonomy and prosecutorial independence are not prioritized. This has implications for the public's trust in the justice system and the rule of law.

The details

John Mitchell served as Attorney General under President Nixon from 1969 to 1972 before taking a role in Nixon's reelection campaign. As AG, Mitchell was involved in controversial decisions like trying to stop the Pentagon Papers, wiretapping citizens, going after political opponents, and targeting anti-war and civil rights protesters. He was later indicted for his role in the Watergate cover-up and perjury, serving 19 months in prison. In contrast, current Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken a more confrontational and public approach, with accusations of lying and undermining the DOJ's independence. However, like Mitchell, Bondi has been accused of corruption and using her office for political purposes.

  • John Mitchell served as Attorney General from 1969 to 1972.
  • Pam Bondi has served as Attorney General since 2025.

The players

John Mitchell

Attorney General under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1972, later convicted for his role in the Watergate scandal.

Pam Bondi

Current Attorney General, appointed in 2025, known for a confrontational and public approach that has drawn comparisons to Mitchell's tenure.

Richard Nixon

Former President of the United States, whose administration saw a breakdown in the independence of the Department of Justice.

Katharine Graham

Former owner and publisher of The Washington Post, who clashed with Mitchell.

Martha Mitchell

Wife of John Mitchell, who spoke out about the Watergate scandal despite her husband's efforts to silence her.

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What they’re saying

“Mitchell had been the manager of Nixon's first campaign. As attorney general, he was involved in a number of very controversial decisions, including trying to stop the Pentagon Papers, wiretapping American citizens, going after political opponents, and targeting anti-war protesters and even civil rights protesters. He was a very controversial figure.”

— Julian Zelizer, Co-host, "Then and Now" (substack.com)

“Mitchell is also remembered in the context of two very different women. One was Katharine Graham, my boss's boss for many years at The Washington Post and Newsweek. Mitchell famously told Carl Bernstein, when he called to ask about a Watergate story, that Katie Graham was 'going to get her tit caught in a fat ringer.'”

— Jonathan Alter, Co-host, "Then and Now" (substack.com)

The takeaway

The comparison between Attorneys General John Mitchell and Pam Bondi serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the Department of Justice being used as a political tool rather than an independent institution upholding the rule of law. It highlights the importance of prioritizing the DOJ's autonomy and prosecutorial independence, regardless of who occupies the White House.