President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general, will be his nominee for attorney general of the United States.
Bondi, a longtime ally of Trump, will replace Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration earlier in the day. Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, stepped aside after facing ongoing controversies surrounding allegations of misconduct.
Trump praised Bondi’s career and toughness in his statement:
“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals, making the streets safe for Florida families. Then, as Florida’s first female attorney general, she worked to stop drug trafficking and tackle the tragedy of fentanyl overdose deaths, which have devastated so many families across the country. 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!”
He also emphasized Bondi’s alignment with his agenda to reform the Department of Justice:
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans—Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ on its intended purpose: fighting crime and making America safe again. I have known Pam for many years. She is smart, tough, and an AMERICA FIRST fighter who will do a terrific job as attorney general!”
Gaetz also expressed his support for Bondi, calling her a “stellar selection” in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
Bondi’s nomination signals a continuation of Trump’s push to reshape the Department of Justice as he gears up for his second term.
