Jay R. Combs has been appointed as the interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, effective November 19, 2025. The appointment was made by the Attorney General.
Combs expressed gratitude for his new role, stating, “I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for the opportunity they have given me to continue my service to the American people. It is both a tremendous responsibility and a great privilege,” said Combs. “The office I lead is at the forefront in the mission of pursuing justice and protecting our communities and our country as a part of Operation Take Back America.”
Operation Take Back America is a national initiative led by the Department of Justice. Its objectives include addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reducing violent crime.
Combs has served as Acting U.S. Attorney since May 24, 2025. In this capacity, he leads federal law enforcement efforts across 43 counties in East Texas, from the Oklahoma border to the Gulf of Mexico. The district operates six offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler with 93 staff members, including 50 prosecutors. As interim U.S. Attorney, Combs will oversee federal prosecutions and represent the government in civil litigation within the district.
Before taking on this role, Combs was Chief of the Plano Branch Office for the Eastern District of Texas and previously worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in both Western and Eastern districts of Texas.
Prior to his legal career with the Department of Justice, Combs served two combat tours in the United States Army where he received several awards such as the Bronze Star medal.
A longtime resident of Texas originally from Springerville, Arizona, Combs holds degrees from Northern Arizona University and the University of New Mexico School of Law. He has been married for thirty years and is a father of seven children.
