The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the next U.S. attorney general on Tuesday evening, placing a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump at the helm of the Justice Department.
The 54-46 vote fell primarily along party lines, with only one Democrat, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, joining all Republicans to support Bondi’s confirmation.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and corporate lobbyist, brings a wealth of legal and political experience to the role. However, her close ties to Trump have raised concerns among Democrats and critics who fear her appointment could further politicize the Justice Department. Bondi’s confirmation comes at a time when the department is undergoing significant upheaval, including the firings of career employees perceived as disloyal to the Trump administration.
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During her confirmation hearings, Bondi emphasized her commitment to restoring the department’s focus on its core mission: prosecuting crime and protecting Americans. “The Justice Department must be a place of integrity, fairness, and impartiality,” Bondi stated. “I am committed to ensuring that it operates without fear or favor, and that it upholds the rule of law.”
Republicans have rallied behind Bondi, praising her as a highly qualified leader who will bring much-needed change to the department. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) highlighted her promise to refocus the DOJ on its foundational priorities. “Pam Bondi has promised to get the department back to its core mission: prosecuting crime and protecting Americans from threats to their safety and their freedoms,” Thune said.
Democrats, however, have expressed deep reservations about Bondi’s ability to lead the department impartially, given her history of defending Trump during his presidency and her involvement in controversial lobbying efforts. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), a vocal critic of Bondi’s nomination, argued that her confirmation risks further eroding public trust in the Justice Department.
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“The attorney general must be independent and above partisan politics,” Durbin said. “I fear that Ms. Bondi’s close ties to President Trump will undermine that independence.”
Bondi’s confirmation comes amid ongoing turmoil within the Justice Department, particularly at the FBI, which she will oversee.
The department has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of investigations related to Trump, including the criminal cases that resulted in two indictments against the former president. Trump has repeatedly criticized the department and the FBI, accusing them of bias and vowing to hold accountable those he perceives as adversaries.
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In the last two weeks, the department has seen a wave of firings and resignations, with many career employees reportedly targeted for their perceived disloyalty to the Trump administration. Bondi’s appointment is expected to accelerate this trend, as she is seen as a staunch ally of the former president.
As attorney general, Bondi will face the daunting task of restoring stability and credibility to a department under fire from both sides of the political aisle. Her leadership will be closely watched as she navigates high-profile cases, including ongoing investigations into Trump and his associates, as well as broader issues such as voting rights, immigration enforcement, and criminal justice reform.
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