Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, had a standout moment during her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. The hearing, which featured sharp exchanges and memorable remarks, highlighted Bondi’s stance on depoliticizing the Department of Justice (DOJ).
One of the most notable moments came when Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy questioned Bondi about high-profile figures currently imprisoned. His line of questioning underscored the role of the Justice Department in prosecuting individuals who had gained notoriety in the public eye.
Senator Kennedy’s Fiery Exchange
Senator Kennedy began by referencing Michael Avenatti, a former attorney and media figure who gained fame for his vocal criticism of Donald Trump.
“Chaos, don’t we? Chaos and the social contract is breached, isn’t it?” Kennedy asked. “The name of Michael Avenatti? Was a media star here in Washington, an attorney. Many members of our media loved him because he persistently bashed Donald Trump. He was on CNN more than Wolf Blitzer. Do you know where Mr. Avenatti is today?”
“Prison, Senator,” Bondi responded with a slight smile.
Kennedy continued, moving on to disgraced cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried.
“Boy genius. So smart and so powerful that he thought he could command the tides. So rich that he would go to meetings with serious people like Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, looking like a slob. Where is Mr. Bankman-Fried today?” Kennedy asked.
“Jail. And I believe that’s from the Netflix series I saw as well,” Bondi replied.
Kennedy concluded his comments by criticizing the DOJ for what he described as a politicized approach to justice, particularly its decision to prosecute Trump.
“A minority of people at the Department of Justice have delegitimized America’s criminal justice system,” Kennedy said. “That kind of stupid takes a plan.”
Pam Bondi’s Commitment to Justice Reform
In her responses, Bondi emphasized the need to remove politics from the DOJ, stating, “Politics has to be taken out of this system. This department has been weaponized for years and years, and it has to stop.”
Bondi’s remarks echo her broader commitment to justice reform, a stance that has drawn praise from Republican leaders and allies of President-elect Trump.
Support from Republican Leaders
Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, who previously withdrew as Attorney General nominee, called Bondi a “stellar selection.”
In a statement on X, Gaetz said, “Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader, and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.”
Florida Senator Rick Scott also expressed support for Bondi’s nomination. “For 8 years I worked alongside Pam to keep Florida safe, and I’m looking forward to working with her to keep our nation safe!” Scott posted on X.
Other Republican senators joined in praising Bondi, including Alabama’s Tommy Tuberville and Missouri’s Eric Schmitt. Tuberville wrote, “Pam Bondi is a brilliant attorney with a long career of fighting for the Constitution. She will do a great job restoring JUSTICE at the DOJ.”
Schmitt added, “Congrats to my friend @PamBondi. She’ll be an incredible Attorney General. Great choice @realDonaldTrump!”
Trump’s Praise for Pam Bondi
President-elect Trump highlighted Bondi’s qualifications and achievements when announcing her nomination.
“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.
Trump lauded Bondi’s tough stance on violent criminals during her nearly 20 years as a prosecutor and her efforts to combat opioid addiction and trafficking as Florida’s Attorney General.
“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 added.
A New Chapter for the DOJ
Bondi’s nomination comes at a critical time for the Department of Justice, as calls for reform and depoliticization grow louder. Her confirmation hearing has already showcased her resolve to restore trust in the agency and focus on its primary mission: upholding the Constitution and protecting the American people.
As Bondi’s nomination moves forward, her strong support from Republican leaders and President-elect Trump underscores her role as a key figure in the new administration’s efforts to reshape the DOJ.