In a decisive move following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump has named Pam Bondi as his pick for U.S. Attorney General. Bondi, a staunch ally and former Florida Attorney General, brings a seasoned prosecutorial background to the role, contrasting sharply with Gaetz, who faced ethical scrutiny and lacked traditional qualifications for the post.
Bondi’s tenure as Florida’s top law enforcement officer from 2011 to 2019 included efforts to combat opioid abuse, a mission she also pursued on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first term. She later gained national attention as part of Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial.
Announcing the decision on social media, Trump emphasized Bondi’s experience and commitment to justice. “For too long, the DOJ has been weaponized against Republicans. That ends now,” he declared, referencing ongoing investigations into his own conduct.
Bondi’s appointment reflects Trump’s broader goals for the Justice Department: reversing what he perceives as partisan bias, refocusing priorities on issues like illegal immigration, and curbing diversity and equity initiatives. The department is expected to move away from policing reforms and emphasize religious freedom and stricter immigration enforcement under Bondi’s leadership.
However, Bondi’s past ties to Trump have not been without controversy. In 2013, the Trump Foundation contributed $25,000 to a political action committee supporting Bondi as her office reviewed potential action against Trump University. Although no investigation followed, both Trump University and the Trump Foundation later faced legal repercussions unrelated to Bondi’s decision.
With a firm resume and Trump’s endorsement, Bondi is poised to reshape the Justice Department in alignment with the administration’s conservative agenda. Her nomination underscores Trump’s intent to install loyalists in key positions, setting the stage for a transformative second term.
