President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has selected Pam Bondi as his nominee for U.S. Attorney General. This decision follows the withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) from consideration earlier in the day, Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for being politicized against him and other Republicans, asserting that Bondi would restore its focus on fighting crime and enhancing safety in America. He highlighted her previous efforts against drug trafficking, noting her involvement in a Trump commission aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and drug addiction, as reported by NBC News.
“I am proud to announce former Attorney General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General of the United States,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families. Then, as Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country,” he added.
“She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term — We saved many lives!” he continued.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. 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!” Trump concluded.
Bondi, who has a background as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, is currently a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners, where she leads the corporate regulatory compliance practice, per NBC News.
Her nomination will require Senate confirmation.
Bondi has maintained close ties with Trump over the years. At the 2016 Republican National Convention, she participated in chants directed at former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and was part of Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial.
If confirmed, Bondi would oversee the DOJ, which includes the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Prisons, employing over 115,000 individuals.
On X, Gaetz praised Bondi’s selection on social media, describing her as an accomplished litigator and leader who would implement necessary reforms within the DOJ.
Earlier in the day, Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration due to concerns that his nomination would be a distraction to the Trump administration’s transition efforts.
He has faced serious allegations regarding inappropriate conduct but has denied any wrongdoing.
“@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,” Gaetz said. “Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house.”
“She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans,” he added. “She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.”
