Trump’s Attorney General Pick Heads To Capitol Hill

Pam Bondi, the nominee for attorney general and a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has begun reaching out to key Republican figures on Capitol Hill as part of her confirmation process.

Bondi is set to meet with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who is expected to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee. This committee oversees the evaluation and confirmation of attorney general nominees.

“Attorney General Nominee Bondi is eager to engage with senators during the confirmation process,” said Alex Pfeiffer, spokesperson for Trump’s transition team. “Her career has been dedicated to protecting Americans, and she looks forward to continuing that mission at the Department of Justice.”

Bondi’s nomination follows the withdrawal of former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who had been under consideration for the role.

Bondi first rose to national prominence as Florida’s first female attorney general, serving from 2011 to 2019. During her tenure, she became a close ally of Trump, a relationship that began in 2016 and deepened over the years. Notably, Bondi defended Trump during his first impeachment trial and later supported his legal team during the New York hush money trial.

Beyond her work as attorney general, Bondi chaired the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute. Trump praised her extensive legal experience and commitment to conservative values when announcing her nomination.

“For too long, the Department of Justice has been weaponized against Republicans, including me,” Trump said. “Pam will refocus the DOJ on its primary mission: fighting crime and ensuring public safety. She is a smart and tough fighter who embodies the America First philosophy.”

Republican senators have largely rallied around Bondi, signaling confidence in her swift confirmation.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah tweeted his congratulations, stating, “I look forward to supporting her nomination in the Senate.”

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed enthusiasm on X, calling Bondi’s nomination a “grand slam” and predicting her quick confirmation.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley urged Bondi to prioritize investigations into alleged abuses within the DOJ and FBI, including claims of bias against conservatives. “Pam Bondi will be a fantastic partner in this effort to CLEAN UP the FBI & DOJ,” Hawley wrote.

Meanwhile, Bondi’s nomination has drawn criticism from progressive voices, including the hosts of ABC’s The View. The co-hosts recently discussed Trump’s cabinet selections, including Bondi and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, prompting another on-air legal clarification. While both men have faced investigations, they have denied any wrongdoing and have not been charged.

Host Sunny Hostin made headlines earlier this week when she announced her decision to delete her account on X (formerly Twitter), citing her dissatisfaction with Elon Musk’s ownership. “The most patriotic thing I could do was to leave the platform,” Hostin said during an interview on the Behind The Table podcast. She criticized Musk for fostering an environment she described as hostile, stating, “I don’t want to be affiliated with anything he owns.”

Bondi’s confirmation hearings are expected to proceed smoothly, reflecting strong Republican backing and her established track record in public service.