Michael Dunavant was sworn in again as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee on October 10 at the Odell Horton Federal Building, with U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris officiating. His nomination by former President Trump on June 30 and Senate confirmation on October 7 mark his return to a role he previously held from 2017 to 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In a statement, Dunavant said, "I want to thank President Trump for nominating and appointing me serve in this important role again, and I am appreciative of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for their strong support during the confirmation process." He added, "I am fully prepared to immediately carry out the priorities of the Department of Justice in West Tennessee and to faithfully execute and enforce the laws of Congress," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Dunavant, a Ripley native, has served in several legal roles in Tennessee, including Deputy Executive Director of Legal Services & Policy for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference (2023–2025), Chief Investigative Counsel for the Tennessee Comptroller’s Division of Investigations (2021–2023), and District Attorney General for multiple West Tennessee counties. He has practiced law in the state since 1995 and holds a Bachelor's in Political Science and a Juris Doctor with honors. He has been reappointed to continue his federal service, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
