John Ashcroft

John Ashcroft is an American politician and lawyer who served as the United States Attorney General from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. Prior to that, he was the governor of Missouri and a U.S. Senator. Ashcroft is known for his strong stance on national security, particularly following the September 11 attacks, where he implemented measures to enhance counterterrorism efforts. He was a prominent advocate for the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded law enforcement powers. His tenure was marked by debates over civil liberties and government surveillance, reflecting the tension between security and individual rights.