President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday evening that Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, will be his nominee for the position of attorney general. The announcement follows the withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz from consideration for the role.
Trump expressed his gratitude for Bondi on Truth Social, emphasizing that for too long, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been used in a partisan manner against Republicans. He stated, “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime and making America safe again.” He commended her prior efforts against drug trafficking and noted that she had worked on a Trump administration commission dedicated to tackling the opioid crisis and addressing drug addiction.
Currently, Bondi is a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners, where she leads the corporate regulatory compliance practice.
Her nomination will require Senate confirmation. Bondi has a history of support for Trump, participating in chants at the 2016 Republican National Convention aimed at Hillary Clinton, and serving on Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial. Following Trump’s 2020 election loss, she was involved in attempts to contest the election results, falsely stating that Trump had won Pennsylvania during a press conference in Philadelphia.
Matt Gaetz praised Bondi’s selection on social media, labeling her a “proven litigator” and a leader committed to enacting necessary reforms at the DOJ. Earlier on the same day, Gaetz had stepped back from consideration for the attorney general position, claiming that his candidacy was overshadowing the critical work of the Trump administration’s transition team.
Reactions from Senate Republicans to Bondi’s nomination have been largely favorable, with Sen. Lindsey Graham declaring her selection as a “grand slam” pick. As the leading Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, he will play a crucial role in the confirmation hearings for Bondi.
Despite some challenges faced by other Trump nominees for administration positions, the initial response to Bondi suggests a more positive outlook within the Senate. This gives hope for a smoother nomination process compared to recent controversies surrounding other candidates.
Overall, Bondi’s nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to reinforcing his administration with allies invested in his agenda. As the DOJ prepares to undergo significant leadership changes, there is potential for a renewed focus on law enforcement and public safety initiatives under her direction.