In a fiery statement Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a sweeping federal crackdown on fraud and violent crime. Bondi also praised Elon Musk and his team for helping to uncover “tremendous fraud” within the federal government.
“We are hearing a lot about fraud, waste, and abuse — a lot of waste and abuse,” Bondi said. “But there is a tremendous amount of fraud. Elon, thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your team. You have uncovered so much fraud in our government, and we will prosecute.”
Bondi revealed that an internal DOJ task force is now operating across all federal agencies to investigate fraud, particularly within federal programs administered under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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Bondi reiterated the administration’s tough-on-crime stance, highlighting plans to fill 94 U.S. Attorney positions nationwide with prosecutors prepared to pursue maximum penalties, especially in cases involving political violence, sabotage, and drug trafficking.
The DOJ’s message reflects the broader Trump administration push to restore capital punishment at the federal level, a campaign promise Trump reignited earlier this year. Bondi emphasized that under new DOJ guidelines, violent criminals — including those targeting federal infrastructure or partners like Tesla — could face the death penalty.
“Thanks to President Trump’s directive, we are seeking the death penalty again. All of these horrible, violent criminals — they will face the death penalty federally,” said Bondi.
Three Charged in Tesla Arson Attacks
Bondi announced last week that three individuals have been charged with federal crimes for carrying out what she described as acts of domestic terrorism against Tesla dealerships and charging stations across the country using Molotov cocktails.
The incidents, which took place in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina, have sparked national concern amid a broader wave of protests against Musk’s role in the Trump administration and his aggressive streamlining of federal agencies.
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Incident details:
- Salem, Oregon: A man armed with a suppressed AR-15 threw eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership.
- Loveland, Colorado: A suspect attempted to ignite Tesla vehicles and was found in possession of materials to make more incendiary devices.
- Charleston, South Carolina: A third individual allegedly scrawled anti-Trump messages on Tesla charging stations before setting them ablaze.
All three defendants face federal arson charges, carrying minimum sentences of five years and potential maximums of 20 years in prison.
“The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended,” Bondi declared last week. “If you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars.”
Political Backdrop
The comments come amid a politically charged atmosphere in Washington, as the Trump administration continues restructuring federal agencies with the help of Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. The moves have drawn praise from conservatives but sharp criticism from civil liberties advocates and some state officials.
READ: CNN’s Harry Enten Blown Away By How Much Dems Now Despise Musk After Previously Revering Him
Bondi’s praise for Musk echoes Trump’s own messaging, as the administration leans heavily into a “law and order” approach to tackle what it describes as domestic extremism and bureaucratic corruption.
As tensions rise over the role of private-sector power in federal governance, Bondi’s latest remarks send a clear signal: the DOJ is aligning closely with Musk — and prepared to pursue maximum punishment for those who are involved in fraud and violence.
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