Trump picks Pam Bondi for attorney general role as Gaetz bows out
Florida's Former Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) meeting on February 23, 2024. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced Pam Bondi, former attorney general of Florida, as his nominee for attorney general, following the withdrawal of Rep. Matt Gaetz from consideration for the role.
Trump unveiled his decision on Truth Social, highlighting Bondi’s extensive legal experience and her record in combating drug trafficking and violent crime during her tenure in Florida.
“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families,” Trump said. He also noted her efforts as Florida’s first female attorney general to address the opioid crisis, including her work on his Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first term. “We saved many lives!” Trump added.
Trump also emphasized Bondi’s alignment with his vision for reforming the Department of Justice, stating that the DOJ had been “weaponized” against him and other Republicans. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter,” Trump wrote.
The announcement came just hours after Gaetz, who had been Trump’s initial pick for the role, withdrew his candidacy. Gaetz, a vocal Trump ally, said he made the decision to prevent his nomination from becoming a “distraction” for the incoming administration.
“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Gaetz’s withdrawal follows meetings with senators critical to his confirmation process, which he described as “excellent” but acknowledged were unlikely to smooth his path to approval.
Bondi’s nomination signals a continuation of Trump’s efforts to reshape the Department of Justice and install loyalists who align with his “America First” agenda as he prepares to take office in January.
