Trump selects Pam Bondi as attorney general choice after Gaetz steps back
Donald Trump declared that he would nominate Pam Bondi, the former Florida state attorney general, for attorney general shortly after ex-representative Matt Gaetz bowed out following opposition from Senate Republicans due to sexual misconduct allegations.
Trump’s choice of Bondi showcased his intent to appoint a trusted ally as the nation’s top law enforcement official, continuing his trend of placing personal lawyers in key justice department positions.
The former Florida attorney general is a longtime ally of Trump and served as one of his lawyers during the first impeachment trial
Trump promptly selected Bondi as Gaetz’s replacement, as per sources familiar with the situation. Bondi hadn’t formally applied for the role, but her loyalty to Trump and her advocacy for him on television made her a compelling selection.
Bondi’s wide backing within Trump’s circle and the Senate Republican group, unlike Gaetz who consistently encountered challenges, led to her endorsement by the majority of Trump’s top advisors on Thursday.
“I’m excited to announce Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, as our next U.S. Attorney General,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post. “Pam, a prosecutor for nearly two decades known for her tough stance on violent criminals, will realign the DOJ’s focus on combating crime and enhancing America’s safety. With her intelligence, toughness, and commitment to America First principles, she will excel as Attorney General.”
If Bondi secures Senate confirmation in the upcoming months, it would be a recognition of her longstanding loyalty to Trump, beginning in the 2016 campaign where she staunchly defended his candidacy. Bondi supported Trump during his first impeachment trial, echoed claims of election fraud in 2020, and remained a key surrogate through the 2024 campaign, even attending Trump’s trial in New York.
Bondi’s potential appointment to lead the Justice Department is seen as a stroke of luck, following Trump’s spontaneous selection of Gaetz over more traditional lawyers. The selection process involved Trump reviewing candidates on screens at Mar-a-Lago, considering factors like loyalty and media presence.
Initially dissatisfied with names like Mark Paoletta, Andrew Bailey, and Robert Guiffra, Trump favored a fighter like Gaetz for the role.”
The Gaetz nomination faltered following discussions on Wednesday with Republican senators who conveyed their sustained opposition to the Trump team. On Thursday morning, Trump phoned Gaetz to acknowledge the lack of Senate support, prompting Gaetz to withdraw from consideration. Gaetz recognized that key senators, including Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and senator-elect John Curtis, would vote against him, hindering his confirmation.
Trump, from Mar-a-Lago, expressed gratitude for Gaetz’s efforts in pursuing the attorney general position, noting Gaetz’s decision to step back to avoid becoming a distraction to the administration, which he respects.
