Trump Picks Pam Bondi, Florida’s Former Top Prosecutor, for Attorney General After Gaetz Withdraws
1. n Ms. Bondi, who served on his legal team during his first impeachment, the president-elect turned to a loyal ally to put his stamp on a Justice Department that he sees as hostile to him.
President-elect Donald J. Trump announced on Thursday his intention to nominate Pam Bondi as attorney general, selecting a loyal ally who previously served as Florida’s attorney general. The move is expected to shape a Justice Department Mr. Trump has often criticized as politically antagonistic toward him.
The announcement came just hours after his initial choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration amid mounting concerns over allegations of involvement in drug-fueled sex parties, which made his Senate confirmation unlikely.
Eager to place a trusted ally at the helm of the Justice Department, Mr. Trump has pledged to overhaul what he describes as “deep state” opposition within the agency, signaling a break from the tradition of Justice Department independence in criminal investigations.
Ms. Bondi, 59, was part of Mr. Trump’s legal defense team during his first impeachment and currently leads the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank closely aligned with Mr. Trump’s transition efforts. She played a key role in filing election-related lawsuits in battleground states and was a prominent surrogate for Mr. Trump during his campaign, particularly in outreach efforts aimed at women voters.
“Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime and Making America Safe Again,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post announcing her nomination. “I have known Pam for many years — she is smart, tough, and an AMERICA FIRST Fighter who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!”
The decision to appoint Ms. Bondi was made swiftly after Mr. Gaetz’s withdrawal, according to a source familiar with Mr. Trump’s deliberations. Ms. Bondi met with Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, on Thursday, and her nomination was announced shortly thereafter.
While Ms. Bondi has long been a favorite of Mr. Trump, it is unclear whether she had been formally vetted prior to this decision. Her name did not appear on a list of potential candidates compiled by some of Mr. Trump’s advisers, including Boris Epshteyn, his top legal aide, who had advocated for Mr. Gaetz.
Ms. Bondi’s nomination may have been bolstered by her strong connection to Susie Wiles, the incoming White House chief of staff and a major figure in Florida politics.
