Trump Replaces Gaetz With Pam Bondi as Attorney General Nominee

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi as his new pick for Attorney General, replacing Representative Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration amid mounting controversy.

Gaetz stepped down just hours before the announcement, citing an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of misconduct involving a 17-year-old girl and drug use. Although he denied the allegations, he acknowledged the scrutiny had become a distraction.

Bondi, 59, previously served as Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019 and has been a close ally of Trump. During his first term, she was part of the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission and later joined his legal defense team during his 2020 impeachment trial. Recently, she has been involved with the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank influencing Trump’s upcoming administration.

In his announcement on social media, Trump lauded Bondi’s experience and toughness. “Pam Bondi is a proven prosecutor and a strong leader,” he stated. Legal experts, such as former federal prosecutor David Weinstein, also noted her qualifications. “She has a solid prosecutorial resume, which gives her an edge over the previous nominee,” Weinstein said.

Trump, a vocal critic of the Department of Justice (DOJ), expressed confidence in Bondi’s ability to bring reform. “The partisan weaponization of the DOJ ends now,” he declared.

Bondi’s ties to Trump date back years. In 2013, the Trump Foundation donated $25,000 to a political action committee supporting Bondi while her office considered investigating Trump University. Although critics questioned the donation’s timing, Bondi denied any connection between it and her decision not to pursue the case. Trump later faced legal consequences for both Trump University and the Trump Foundation, paying settlements and fines for fraud-related claims.

Bondi’s nomination signals a potential shift in the DOJ’s priorities under Trump’s administration. Federal prosecutors are expected to focus more on immigration enforcement, with funding tied to local cooperation with federal authorities. The Civil Rights Division may shift from police accountability efforts to defending religious freedoms and opposing diversity initiatives.

Bondi has also been a vocal defender of Trump in his legal challenges. She contributed to a brief supporting his stance in the classified documents case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith. The case was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon, but the Justice Department has since appealed.

Bondi’s confirmation process is anticipated to spotlight her close association with Trump and her controversial record. However, her extensive legal experience and public defense of Trump could strengthen her chances of Senate approval.

“Pam Bondi is a fighter with a proven track record,” Trump said. “She will ensure justice is fair and impartial once again.”

Bondi’s selection highlights a stark contrast with Gaetz, whose controversial background and lack of legal qualifications likely would have faced significant Senate opposition.