Pam Bondi/ Trump attorney general/ DOJ leadership/ Trump administration/ Bondi controversies/ human trafficking/ impeachment trial/ Trump University case/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general and longtime Trump ally, has been chosen as Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal. Bondi’s history as a prosecutor, lobbyist, and defender of Trump during his first impeachment trial makes her a controversial yet pivotal figure in the new administration. If confirmed, she’s expected to lead a Justice Department realignment in line with Trump’s policies.
Pam Bondi’s Appointment as Attorney General: Quick Looks
- Longtime Trump Ally: Bondi has been a prominent supporter of Trump since 2016, serving on his transition team and legal defense.
- Historic Career: She was Florida’s first female attorney general, serving from 2011 to 2019.
- Lobbyist and Advocate: Bondi worked with domestic and foreign clients, including Qatar and anti-human-trafficking groups.
- Trump’s Legal Defender: She played a key role in Trump’s impeachment defense during his first term.
- Controversies: Past political controversies include soliciting donations from Trump while overseeing a potential case against Trump University.
Who Is Pam Bondi? Trump’s New Pick for Attorney General
Deep Look: Pam Bondi Steps into the Role of Attorney General
Pam Bondi, a seasoned prosecutor, former lobbyist, and staunch Trump loyalist, is Donald Trump’s latest pick for U.S. attorney general. Her appointment comes on the heels of Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal, which left Trump’s team scrambling to fill the role amid growing scrutiny. Here’s an in-depth look at Bondi’s background, accomplishments, and controversies as she prepares to lead the Justice Department under Trump’s second term.
A Trusted Ally in Trump’s Orbit
Bondi’s ties to Trump date back to the 2016 election, where she endorsed him over fellow Floridian Marco Rubio. Her early support earned her a speaking spot at the Republican National Convention, where she energized the crowd with chants of “Lock her up” directed at Hillary Clinton.
Following Trump’s victory, Bondi served on his transition team and was considered for high-profile roles, including attorney general during Trump’s first term. While she didn’t join the administration then, her name remained in circulation as a potential pick, bolstered by her unwavering loyalty. She later joined Trump’s legal defense team during his first impeachment trial, defending him against charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Florida’s First Female Attorney General
Bondi made history in 2010 when she became Florida’s first female attorney general. Previously a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, she campaigned on bold promises, including challenging Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act and supporting stringent immigration laws.
During her tenure, Bondi prioritized combating human trafficking, advocating for tougher state laws, and raising public awareness of the issue. Her work earned her a national reputation, but her time in office was not without controversy, particularly over her involvement in a high-profile fundraising conflict.
Lobbying Career and Foreign Clients
After leaving office in 2019, Bondi became a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, a firm with deep connections to the Trump administration. Her domestic clients included General Motors and Major League Baseball. On the international stage, she represented Qatar in anti-human-trafficking initiatives ahead of the 2022 World Cup and lobbied for a Kuwaiti firm on immigration and human rights issues.
Her role as a registered foreign agent, particularly for Middle Eastern clients, has drawn scrutiny, though she has emphasized her advocacy for ethical causes like combating trafficking.
Trump Impeachment Defender and Legal Critic
In 2020, Bondi joined Trump’s impeachment defense team, taking a leading role in shaping the administration’s messaging. Her work focused on discrediting allegations that Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. Bondi’s ability to command media attention and rally Republican support made her a valuable asset during the trial.
More recently, Bondi has been an outspoken critic of the criminal cases brought against Trump by federal and state prosecutors. She has accused special counsel Jack Smith and others of “weaponizing the legal system” to target Trump for political gain.
Controversies and Political Issues
Bondi’s career has not been free from controversy. In 2013, she publicly apologized for delaying the execution of a death row inmate to attend a fundraiser for her reelection campaign. While she admitted the decision was inappropriate, the incident raised questions about her judgment.
Bondi also faced backlash over a $25,000 donation from Trump’s charitable foundation to a political committee supporting her campaign. At the time, her office was deciding whether to join a multi-state lawsuit against Trump University over fraud allegations. Bondi’s office ultimately declined to pursue the case, citing insufficient grounds, but critics saw the donation as a conflict of interest. Both Bondi and Trump denied wrongdoing, and an independent investigation found no evidence to support bribery charges.
What Lies Ahead for Bondi
If confirmed, Bondi will oversee a Justice Department poised to pivot sharply under Trump’s leadership. She is likely to support Trump’s agenda, including scrutinizing civil rights policies, rolling back corporate enforcement measures, and addressing the prosecutions of hundreds of January 6 defendants.
Bondi’s confirmation hearings will likely spotlight her past controversies and potential conflicts of interest, but with a Republican-controlled Senate, her approval appears probable. Her tenure will undoubtedly be closely watched as Trump moves to solidify his administration with loyalists.
