The Republican-led U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Pam Bondi’s nomination as President Donald Trump’s attorney general, setting the stage for a full Senate vote later this week. The 12-10 vote saw Democrats opposing her confirmation, voicing concerns about Bondi’s ability to resist potential improper or illegal orders from President Trump. Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, reassured lawmakers during her confirmation hearing that she would uphold the independence of the Justice Department and avoid politicizing criminal or civil investigations.
However, skepticism remains as recent actions by the Trump administration, such as firing and reassignment of career Justice Department employees, have raised questions about political interference. Bondi’s past involvement in Trump’s impeachment defense and her financial ties to the Trump Media and Technology Group have further fueled opposition, with critics wary of her role in potential attempts to weaponize the justice system.
The confirmation process has ignited debate over the future of the Department of Justice and its independence, with critics fearing that the nomination of Bondi may signal a continued politicization of federal law enforcement. The full Senate vote, expected soon, will determine if Bondi will take on the crucial role of overseeing the Justice Department during a period of intense scrutiny.
