Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi defended her long-standing loyalty to President-elect Donald Trump and promised she would not “politicize” the Justice Department during her confirmation hearing for U.S. attorney general before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Democrats pressed Bondi on whether she would act independently of Trump and questioned her refusal to directly affirm the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Justice (DOJ) for comment.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing to be the next U.S. attorney general, in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 15 in Washington, D.C. Bondi, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump, defended him during his first impeachment trial in 2020 and publicly supported false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
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Why It Matters
Democrats fear that Bondi’s appointment could undermine the Justice Department’s independence, particularly given her close ties to Trump and past statements advocating for investigations into his perceived adversaries. A Florida attorney general for eight years, Bondi’s critics argue that her leadership could pave the way for the department to be used to settle political scores, eroding public trust in law enforcement.
Bondi’s confirmation is pivotal as the Justice Department faces heightened scrutiny following Trump’s election victory in 2024.
She was selected after the Trump’s first pick, former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration, citing a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle”––a probe into alleged sexual misconduct.
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing to be the next U.S. attorney general, in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 15 in Washington, D.C. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin pressed Bondi on whether she could say “no” to President Donald Trump if he asked for something unethical or illegal.
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What To Know
Bondi’s nomination follows years of political tension, with federal investigations into Trump, including two criminal cases led by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith dropped both cases after Trump’s 2024 election, citing DOJ policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice—and each of its components,” Bondi, 59, said in her opening remarks.
She repeatedly refused to say whether Trump lost the 2020 election, telling senators, “President Biden is the president of the United States, he was duly sworn in.” She avoided directly addressing whether she agreed with court findings that no widespread voter fraud had occurred.
Her comments often mirrored Trump’s rhetoric, raising concerns among Democrats.
“I need to know that you would tell the president ‘no’ if you’re asked to do something that’s wrong, illegal or unconstitutional,” Senator Dick Durbin, the panel’s top Democrat, told Bondi.
Bondi also defended her past statement that “prosecutors will be prosecuted” under Trump’s leadership, explaining that her goal was to address misconduct within the Justice Department.
Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general, speaks during a press conference at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 7, 2021, in Bedminster, New Jersey. Democrats have questioned Bondi’s independence and her refusal to affirm the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
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What People Are Saying
Republican Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi: “If confirmed, my overriding objective would be to return the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law […] Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”
Democratic Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono: “You can’t say who won the 2020 election. It’s disturbing you can’t give voice to that fact.”
What Happens Next
Bondi’s confirmation vote is expected in the coming weeks. If confirmed, she will oversee the Justice Department at a critical moment, including politically sensitive investigations involving Hunter Biden and issues of election integrity.
While Bondi has pledged to lead with fairness and integrity, her close relationship with Trump and reluctance to distance herself from his claims of election fraud are likely to remain focal points of criticism.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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