Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney-General and nominee of President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Justice, is the next nominee.
Bondi’s selection came just hours after Matt Gaetz, former Republican Representative from Florida, resigned.
“For far too long the Department of Justice was weaponized to attack me and other Republicans. Not anymore. Pam will focus the DOJ on its original purpose, which is to fight crime and make America safe again.” Trump said on Truth Social: “I have known Pam for many years. She is smart, tough, and an AMERICA first fighter who will do an excellent job as Attorney-General!”
Bondi was the attorney general for Florida between 2011 and 2019 under Gov. Rick Scott.
She is also the chair of the Center for Litigation, which is a think-tank that works with the Trump Transition on the agenda. She is also a Partner at Ballard Partners – the lobbying firm in which Trump’s new chief of staff Susie Wiles previously worked.
Bondi served as a senior advisor on Trump’s impeachment team. She took leave from Ballard Partners in order to fulfill this role. Bondi then returned to the firm founded by Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard – the former 2016 Chairman of Trump Victory.
She replaces Gaetz who was appointed Trump’s attorney general pick just one week ago. Gaetz was the most controversial cabinet pick of the president-elect.
The Justice Department had previously investigated him as part of a broader sex-trafficking investigation, which included allegations that involved a minor. Gaetz, who has strongly denied all wrongdoing, was not charged by the department.
After meeting with senators this week, he may have realized that he would not be able to get the necessary votes to confirm him in the Senate.
