On Wednesday, January 15th, Pam Bondi, the nominee for Attorney General appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, answered questions from senators during a hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The position of Attorney General is one of the most important in the upcoming Trump administration.
During a discussion with Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Bondi criticized the weaponization of the justice system, stating, “I think that’s all we’ve seen for the past four years, the entire weaponization problem, and everything Donald Trump has been through.”
She said, “In fact, they started targeting him since 2016, they investigated him numerous times.”
“If I were Attorney General, I wouldn’t do that. I wouldn’t politicize the Department of Justice. I wouldn’t target people just because of their political inclinations. Justice will be fairly executed nationwide,” she added.
Bondi emphasized that if confirmed, she would put an end to the Department of Justice’s partisanship and weaponization. She pledged to establish a justice system that applies to everyone.
Highlighting her plans, Bondi mentioned restoring “confidence and integrity” within the Department of Justice and its sub-agencies and promised to collaborate with Congress, working closely with the Senate Judiciary Committee.
She assured the committee, stating, “If confirmed, I will do everything in my power–which is also my significant responsibility–to make America safe again.”
Bondi pointed out the need to reduce the rate of recidivism among released prisoners to achieve this goal, acknowledging the long-standing management issues, funding shortages, and morale problems within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley commended Bondi’s experience as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, Florida and as Florida’s Attorney General. He spoke highly of her leadership in resolving the Deepwater Horizon oil spill case and actions taken against pharmaceutical companies.
Expressing concerns about political interference within the Justice Department, Grassley urged Bondi, if confirmed, to take actions that would hold the department accountable and prevent disastrous political decision-making.
The focus on Bondi’s long-standing support for Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats who question her ability to ensure judicial independence from political influence from the White House.
Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois raised concerns about potential politicization of the Justice Department under Bondi and Trump, given Trump’s past comments on using the department to advance his political interests.
Durbin emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law and inquired whether Bondi would resist any illegal or unconstitutional orders from the President.
Bondi’s past defense of Trump during his impeachment, assistance in handling the 2020 election challenges in Pennsylvania, and support during the “hush money case” trial were noted, showcasing her loyalty to the former President.
Over the years, Trump and his allies have criticized the Justice Department for unfair treatment due to political reasons, hoping that Bondi’s tenure would restore justice, impartiality, and independence to the department.
Democratic concerns and those of other critics revolve around the potential for Bondi and other Trump nominees to weaponize the Justice Department against perceived enemies, mirroring accusations they have made against Democratic officials.
Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, detailed her experiences during her opening statement at the hearing, emphasizing her significant role as the first female State Prosecutor in Florida and the impact it had on her career.
She highlighted her work combating human trafficking, prosecuting opioid manufacturers, and advocating for the prompt resolution of backlogged sexual assault cases during her tenure as Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019.
Expected to garner strong support from Senate Republicans, Bondi’s confirmation hearing is anticipated to last a full day, with members of the committee conducting multiple rounds of questioning.
Bondi’s confirmation would mark a significant milestone in her career since being elected Florida’s Attorney General in 2010.
Referencing reports from The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, concerns have been raised about the potential effects of political influence on Bondi and the Justice Department, particularly considering her past statements and support for Trump.