Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has selected veteran prosecutor Pam Bondi as his nominee for attorney general, following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration.
Bondi, who has a long history in law enforcement, previously served as Florida’s attorney general. A strong Trump ally, she was part of his legal team during his first Senate impeachment trial and supported him during his hush money trial in New York.
In a social media post announcing her nomination, Trump praised Bondi’s nearly 20 years as a prosecutor, highlighting her tough stance on violent criminals and her efforts to keep Florida’s streets safe. Bondi has been a close supporter of Trump since his 2016 campaign, calling him a “friend” at a recent rally.
Bondi joined Trump’s White House in 2019, focusing on proactive impeachment messaging, and served as his legal advisor and defence attorney during his first impeachment, which resulted in his acquittal.
Bondi also remained involved with Trump’s legal efforts in 2020, defending his claims of election fraud. Additionally, she served on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission and led the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank established by former Trump officials.
If confirmed by the Senate, Bondi will oversee the Department of Justice’s 115,000 employees and a budget of roughly $45 billion (£35.5 billion). Bondi would play a critical role in implementing Trump’s promise to hold his political enemies accountable.
Bondi has strongly criticized the criminal cases brought against Trump and special counsel Jack Smith, who charged him in two federal cases.
Trump emphasized in his announcement that Bondi will work to refocus the Department of Justice (DOJ) on its original mission of fighting crime and making America safer. Trump also outlined plans to dismantle criminal organizations, protect U.S. borders, end the “weaponized government,” and restore faith in the justice system.
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