Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General, making her the fourth lawyer from Trump's defense team to be selected for a high-ranking position within the Department of Justice. The nomination, announced shortly after Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration, has reignited concerns over the independence of the Justice Department under Trump's leadership.
"For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans - Not anymore," Trump wrote on Truth Social in announcing Bondi's nomination. "Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years - She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!"
Bondi, 59, served as Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019, becoming the state's first woman to hold the position. A Tampa native, she earned her law degree from Stetson Law School and worked for nearly two decades as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County before entering state politics. As attorney general, Bondi focused on battling human trafficking, closing "pill mills" contributing to the opioid crisis, and challenging the Affordable Care Act.
Bondi has long been an ally of Trump, having worked on his defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. At the time, Bondi staunchly defended Trump, arguing, "They have not charged the president with any crime because the president did nothing wrong. There was no crime. The transcript of that phone call speaks for itself."
Her close ties to Trump have drawn criticism, with opponents questioning whether her loyalty could undermine the impartiality of the Justice Department. Critics point to past controversies, including her decision not to join a multi-state lawsuit against Trump University after receiving a $25,000 campaign donation from Trump in 2014. Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe recently noted this decision, accusing Bondi of "dutifully" serving Trump's interests.
Bondi's nomination comes amid Trump's ongoing legal battles. He faces multiple federal indictments, including charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents after leaving office. Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases, which were brought by special counsel Jack Smith. In announcing Bondi's selection, Trump reiterated his stance that the Justice Department had been weaponized against him and promised to reform the agency.
This nomination follows Trump's appointment of three other former defense lawyers to key Justice Department roles. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump in federal criminal cases, have been tapped for the No. 2 and No. 3 DOJ positions, respectively. John Sauer, another former Trump attorney, was nominated for solicitor general, a role in which he would represent the government before the Supreme Court.
The selection of multiple defense attorneys has alarmed some legal experts and critics, who fear the department could prioritize Trump's personal interests over its broader responsibilities. "The DOJ's independence is critical to ensuring justice for all," said a senior fellow at a nonpartisan legal advocacy group. "These appointments raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the impartiality of the agency moving forward."
Defenders of Bondi and the other nominees, however, have highlighted their qualifications and experience. Bondi's record includes securing a $3 billion settlement for Florida following the BP oil spill and enacting legislation to combat the opioid epidemic. Her supporters argue that her background in law enforcement and policy positions her well for the role of Attorney General.
Bondi's nomination also underscores Trump's ongoing reshaping of the Justice Department as he prepares to take office. Trump's critics have pointed to his past attempts to use the DOJ to investigate political rivals, including Hillary Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey, raising concerns about potential misuse of the department under Bondi's leadership.
Bondi remains a staunch advocate for Trump, frequently speaking out in his defense during his legal battles. Earlier this year, she appeared alongside Trump during his New York trial and criticized prosecutors' approach. "They make it sound like it's a first-degree murder case, and I've tried plenty of trial cases, Trace, and never seen anything like this," she told Fox News in April.
