Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, will face intense scrutiny from Senate Democrats on Wednesday. The hearing will likely focus on Trump’s previous threats to leverage the Justice Department against his political adversaries.
Bondi’s Background and Ties to Trump
Bondi, 59, served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019. She played a key role in defending Trump during his 2019 impeachment trial, which ended in his acquittal. Trump selected Bondi after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew amid an ethics investigation.
Bondi has been a staunch Trump supporter. Her decision not to investigate Trump University in 2013, after receiving a $25,000 donation from the Trump Foundation, raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Bondi denied any connection between the donation and her decision.
Democrats’ Concerns Over Impartiality
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are expected to question Bondi’s ability to prioritize national interests over Trump’s personal agendas. They plan to scrutinize her willingness to maintain the Justice Department’s independence, especially given Trump’s accusations of politically motivated prosecutions.
Following Trump’s 2020 election defeat, Bondi supported his claims of election fraud and joined court briefs defending him against criminal charges in Florida and New York. Her role at the America First Policy Institute further cemented her alignment with Trump’s legal strategies.
Lobbying Career Under the Microscope
Since 2019, Bondi has worked as a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, representing a wide array of clients, including foreign governments and major corporations like Amazon, Uber, and General Motors. Democrats intend to probe potential conflicts of interest, particularly since some of these companies have faced Justice Department investigations under the Biden administration.
Bondi has pledged to adhere to federal ethics rules and consult Justice Department officials on any conflicts. Her lobbying ties, however, are expected to be a significant focus during the hearing, as lawmakers assess her commitment to impartiality.
Senate’s Verdict Pending
The Senate panel’s questioning of Bondi follows a contentious hearing for Trump’s defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, and precedes the hearing for treasury secretary nominee Scott Bessent. The panel’s evaluation of Bondi will play a crucial role in determining whether she secures the position of attorney general ahead of Trump’s return to office.
