US President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to become the United States Attorney General after former Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from his nomination earlier on Thursday.
Gaetz faced backlash from Senate Republicans and was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations regarding having sex with a minor and illicit drug use. However, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Bondi, a Trump loyalist, is expected to carry out Trump’s policy agenda.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump said in a Thursday post announcing the pick on his Truth Social platform. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!”
Bondi served as chief law enforcement of the country’s third most populous state from 2011 to 2019 and was a member of Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first administration.
She recently played a key role in leading a legal division of the America First Policy Institute, a right-leaning think tank whose personnel has worked closely with Trump’s campaign to help shape policy for his incoming administration. She was a part of Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial and also publicly supported him by showing up at court during his hush money trial in New York.
There is a stark contrast between her resume and Gaetz’s, as he has little of the traditional experience expected of an attorney general. According to Reuters, she is likely to face less opposition from senators involved in the confirmation process compared with Gaetz.
According to a BBC report, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham predicted that Bondi “will be confirmed quickly,” calling her selection a “grand slam, touchdown, hole in one, ace, hat trick, slam dunk, Olympic gold medal pick.”
Gaetz had also congratulated to Bondi, calling her “a stellar selection by President Trump”.
“She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ,” he said.
