President-elect Donald Trump announced his nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next U.S. attorney general on Thursday. This announcement came shortly after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) withdrew from consideration earlier in the day, citing concerns over becoming a distraction during the transition period.
Trump praised Bondi for her impressive legal career and record as a prosecutor, emphasizing her tough stance on violent crime and her dedication to public safety during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019.
“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 wrote 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.”
The announcement, which included a video tribute to Bondi’s accomplishments, highlighted her leadership in combating human trafficking and the opioid epidemic. Trump underscored her role in reducing fentanyl-related overdose deaths, stating, “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!”
Trump’s nomination of Bondi comes amid his calls for sweeping reforms within the Department of Justice. He has frequently criticized the DOJ as being politicized and weaponized against Republicans during his presidency and beyond.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans — Not anymore,” Trump declared in his announcement. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime and making America safe again.”
Bondi is expected to spearhead Trump’s plans to overhaul the DOJ by prioritizing efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and the opioid crisis. Her confirmation would mark a significant departure from the leadership of outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland and signal a shift in the DOJ’s approach to law enforcement and public safety.
Bondi’s nomination followed Gaetz’s decision to step aside from the attorney general race earlier in the day. Gaetz, who was Trump’s initial pick for the role, faced growing scrutiny over an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation, which some lawmakers believed could complicate his confirmation process.
In a statement on social media, Gaetz explained his decision, writing:
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
Gaetz wished Trump and Bondi well, adding, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”
Pam Bondi brings a wealth of experience to the table. As Florida’s first female attorney general, she was widely recognized for her efforts to combat human trafficking and address the opioid epidemic. Her initiatives during her tenure led to significant reductions in drug-related deaths, earning her national praise.
Bondi’s relationship with Trump dates back to his first term, during which she served on his Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. Her work on the commission was lauded for its focus on reducing overdose deaths and tackling the nationwide opioid crisis.
As attorney general, Bondi is expected to continue emphasizing public safety and addressing the root causes of violent crime and drug abuse. Trump’s announcement indicated that her leadership will be central to achieving his administration’s law enforcement goals.
Bondi’s nomination will now head to the Senate for confirmation, where she is expected to face questions about her vision for the DOJ and her plans for reform. If confirmed, she will replace Merrick Garland and assume leadership of a department that has been at the center of significant political and legal battles.
Her nomination signals a return to a DOJ focused on traditional law enforcement priorities, as Trump seeks to implement policies aimed at reducing crime and restoring public trust in federal institutions.
Pam Bondi’s nomination for attorney general represents a pivotal moment for the Department of Justice and Trump’s administration. With her strong track record and Trump’s full support, Bondi is poised to lead the DOJ in a direction that aligns with the administration’s law-and-order priorities.
As Bondi prepares for her confirmation hearings, the spotlight will remain on her ability to navigate the challenges of this high-profile role and deliver on Trump’s vision for a reformed and refocused Justice Department.