Special Poll
Former President-elect Donald Trump has announced Pam Bondi, Florida’s former Attorney General, as his nominee to lead the Department of Justice. Bondi’s nomination came swiftly following Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-Fla.) decision to step aside from consideration for the position.
Trump shared his enthusiasm for Bondi’s appointment in a post on Truth Social, stating, “For far too long, the Department of Justice has been used as a partisan weapon against me and other Republicans—no more. Pam Bondi will restore its true mission of fighting crime and ensuring America’s safety. I’ve known Pam for years; she’s smart, tough, and a proven America First advocate who will excel as Attorney General.”
Bondi served as Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019 under then-Governor Rick Scott. In her post-public service career, she has remained active in conservative advocacy and legal circles. She is the chair of the Center for Litigation at the America First Policy Institute, a right-leaning think tank closely aligned with Trump’s agenda, and a partner at Ballard Partners, a prominent lobbying firm with connections to Trump’s incoming administration.
In 2019, Bondi took a prominent role on Trump’s impeachment defense team, temporarily stepping away from her lobbying work to assist with his legal defense. She later returned to Ballard Partners, a firm led by Brian Ballard, who previously chaired Trump’s 2016 Victory campaign in Florida.
Bondi’s nomination follows Gaetz’s controversial withdrawal. Gaetz, who had been under investigation by the DOJ in a sex trafficking probe that included allegations involving an underage individual, ultimately faced no charges. Despite his denials of wrongdoing, Gaetz acknowledged that his appointment had become a distraction. After discussions with Senate members, it became clear his confirmation would face significant hurdles.
Bondi’s nomination signals a shift in Trump’s focus on the DOJ, as she steps into the spotlight to chart a new direction for the department. If confirmed, she is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping justice policies aligned with Trump’s “America First” vision.