Pam Bondi Nominated for Attorney General Amidst Controversy

Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi as his new pick for attorney general, following the withdrawal of former Congressman Matt Gaetz from consideration. This announcement came on November 21, 2024, just hours after Gaetz stepped aside due to increasing scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct, which threatened his chances of Senate confirmation.

Bondi, a seasoned attorney and former Florida attorney general, has been a long-time ally of Trump. She is well-known for her strong stance on law enforcement and has previously supported Trump during his first impeachment trial. The president praised her background, stating, “Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals.”

Her appointment is viewed as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape the Justice Department, focusing on what he describes as “weaponization” against him and other Republicans. If confirmed, Bondi would oversee a department with over 115,000 employees and a budget of around $45 billion. She is expected to focus on crime reduction and restoring public faith in the Justice Department.

Trump’s transition team is optimistic about Bondi’s confirmation chances, noting her deep connections within Washington compared to Gaetz. Notably, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham endorsed her selection, describing it as a “grand slam” choice.

Bondi previously served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, where she was involved in high-profile legal battles, including efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act. She has also held positions in Trump’s administration, notably serving on his Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission.

While Bondi’s nomination is anticipated to move forward with fewer hurdles than Gaetz’s candidacy, her history of loyalty to Trump, including her claims of election fraud following the 2020 elections and her defense of Trump’s policies, positions her as a significant figure in the upcoming administration. Supporters express relief at the nomination, praising her qualifications and readiness to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

Trump names Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws

Trump names Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws

Bondi is a former Florida attorney general and long-time ally of Trump.

www.bbc.com
Trump names Pam Bondi as his pick for attorney general after Gaetz drops from consideration | CNN Politics

Trump names Pam Bondi as his pick for attorney general after Gaetz drops from consideration | CNN Politics

In a significant political development, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Depar

www.cnn.com
Trump names Pam Bondi as attorney general pick after Gaetz steps aside

Trump names Pam Bondi as attorney general pick after Gaetz steps aside

Ex-Florida attorney general is longtime Trump ally and was one of his lawyers during first impeachment trial

www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump nominates Pam Bondi for US attorney-general after Matt Gaetz drops out

Donald Trump nominates Pam Bondi for US attorney-general after Matt Gaetz drops out

New candidate named hours after controversial initial nominee withdrew from consideration

www.ft.com
Pam Bondi Is Trump’s New Choice as Attorney General. Here’s What to Know About Her.

Pam Bondi Is Trump’s New Choice as Attorney General. Here’s What to Know About Her.

Florida’s first female state attorney general, she became a member of Donald Trump’s impeachment defense team and backed his false claims of election

www.nytimes.com
Trump names longtime ally Pam Bondi as his new attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws

Trump names longtime ally Pam Bondi as his new attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was part of Trump's defense during his first impeachment trial.

www.nbcnews.com