Trump Selects Pam Bondi as Attorney General Amid Nomination Withdraw of Matt Gaetz
President-elect Donald J. Trump swiftly shifted focus from controversy surrounding Matt Gaetz by nominating Pam Bondi as attorney general. Bondi, a Florida Republican and former attorney general, offers a stark contrast to Gaetz’s contentious profile but shares a reputation for loyalty to Trump.
Pam Bondi’s Career: From Prosecutor to National Figure
Bondi, 59, served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, becoming the state’s first woman in the role. Previously a Democrat until 2000, she gained prominence by positioning herself as tough on crime and aligning with prominent conservatives, such as Sarah Palin, during her campaign.
During her tenure, she built a reputation as a fierce opponent of the Affordable Care Act, resisted expanding LGBTQ+ protections, and advocated for anti-human trafficking initiatives. However, she faced criticism for fundraising controversies, including postponing an execution to attend a campaign fundraiser, a decision for which she later apologized.
Joining Trump’s Impeachment Defense Team
After leaving office, Bondi joined Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with ties to Trump, and worked for high-profile clients, including Qatar, Amazon, and Uber. She became a key member of Trump’s defense during his first impeachment trial, where she promoted unsubstantiated claims about Joe Biden and his son Hunter, solidifying her loyalty to Trump.
Support for Trump’s Election Fraud Claims
Bondi publicly supported Trump’s false claims of election fraud following the 2020 election. In a Fox News interview, she suggested “fake ballots” were being counted but failed to provide evidence when pressed. Her stance aligned her with Trump’s post-election efforts, eventually leading to a role with America First Policy, a Trump-aligned organization.
A Background in Law and Public Service
Before entering politics, Bondi spent 18 years as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, Florida, handling cases ranging from domestic violence to capital murder. Her high-profile prosecutions included the 2006 sentencing of former MLB pitcher Dwight Gooden for probation violations.
Bondi’s nomination underscores Trump’s preference for loyalists in key positions, with her experience and ties to his administration positioning her as a significant figure in his leadership team.
