President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, as his pick for U.S. attorney general. The announcement came just hours after Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination amid controversy surrounding a federal sex trafficking investigation that had cast doubt on his confirmation.
Bondi’s Loyal Ties to Trump
Bondi, a longtime ally of Trump, gained prominence as one of his defense lawyers during his first impeachment trial, where he was accused—but not convicted—of abusing power by conditioning military aid to Ukraine on an investigation into then-Vice President Joe Biden. She has also been a staunch critic of criminal cases brought against Trump and the prosecutors pursuing them, including special counsel Jack Smith.
In a social media post, Trump praised Bondi’s appointment, stating, “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans. Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.”
Rapid Shift After Gaetz’s Withdrawal
The nomination of Bondi came just six hours after Gaetz stepped aside, ending a turbulent eight-day period during which Trump pushed Senate Republicans to accept controversial nominees like Gaetz. Trump acknowledged Gaetz’s decision, saying in a post, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do.”
Gaetz cited his withdrawal as necessary to avoid being a distraction for the Trump transition team. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle,” he said in a statement. He later hinted on social media at a potential future role in public service, saying he looks forward to continuing the fight “just maybe from a different post.”
A Controversial Appointment
Bondi’s nomination is expected to draw intense scrutiny. If confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, she would inherit a Justice Department poised for a sharp pivot under Trump’s leadership. Bondi is expected to oversee significant changes in civil rights enforcement, corporate accountability, and the prosecution of Trump supporters charged in the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump has already pledged to pardon those defendants.
The nomination has raised concerns among Democrats, who fear Trump could use the DOJ to target political adversaries and align it with his agenda. Bondi’s history of fiercely defending Trump and her criticism of federal prosecutors adds to these concerns.
Challenges and Historical Context
Bondi’s confirmation process will likely be closely watched, particularly given the Supreme Court’s recent opinion affirming a president’s exclusive authority over the DOJ’s investigative functions. Bondi is not expected to overlap with special counsel Jack Smith, whose investigations into Trump are expected to conclude before Trump takes office.
Bondi’s past actions as Florida attorney general have also resurfaced, including her 2013 apology for delaying the execution of a convicted murderer due to a campaign fundraiser conflict. Despite the controversy, Bondi remains a staunch advocate for Trump’s policies and a prominent figure in his circle.
Trump’s Other DOJ Moves
The swift appointment of Bondi follows a series of key DOJ nominations by Trump, including his personal attorneys Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, and D. John Sauer to senior department roles. Matt Whitaker, a former acting attorney general, was recently named U.S. ambassador to NATO.
As Bondi prepares for what is expected to be a contentious confirmation process, her role in reshaping the Justice Department under Trump’s leadership will undoubtedly make her one of the most closely watched figures in the incoming administration.
