Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi, a veteran prosecutor and former Florida attorney general, as his pick for attorney general, following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration. Bondi is a long-time Trump ally with extensive experience in law enforcement and a close relationship with the former president.
Bondi has been a key supporter of Trump for years, serving on his legal team during his first Senate impeachment trial and standing by him during his recent hush money trial in New York. In 2019, she joined the White House to focus on “proactive impeachment messaging” and acted as both a legal advisor and defense attorney during his first impeachment, which resulted in his acquittal.
Throughout Trump’s legal challenges, Bondi has remained a steadfast supporter. She was part of the legal team that made unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election. Additionally, she served on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission and currently leads the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded by former Trump staff members.
If confirmed by the Senate, Bondi would become the country’s chief law enforcement officer, overseeing the Department of Justice’s 115,000 employees and approximately $45 billion budget. Trump has emphasized that her role would be crucial in implementing his vision for the department, which includes:
– Refocusing the DOJ on fighting crime
– Ending what he calls “weaponized government”
– Protecting US borders
– Dismantling criminal organizations
– Restoring public confidence in the department
Bondi has been a vocal critic of the criminal cases brought against Trump and special counsel Jack Smith, who charged Trump in two federal cases. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Department of Justice has been unfairly targeting him and other Republicans.
The nomination comes after Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration due to controversy surrounding a congressional report with allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, which he denied. Gaetz ultimately congratulated Bondi, calling her a “stellar selection” and praising her as a proven litigator and inspiring leader.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has predicted that Bondi will be confirmed quickly, enthusiastically describing her selection as a “grand slam, touchdown, hole in one, ace, hat trick, slam dunk, Olympic gold medal pick.”
This nomination is part of Trump’s broader strategy of appointing close allies to high-ranking positions in his potential administration. Since his election victory, he has been systematically naming trusted supporters to key roles, with Bondi representing another strategic appointment in his potential return to the White House.
The Senate confirmation process will ultimately determine whether Bondi will become the next attorney general and help implement Trump’s proposed reforms to the Department of Justice.
