Amid growing concerns over politicization of the justice system, nominee Pam Bondi affirmed she would not create an "enemies list" but faced scrutiny over her potential allegiance to Trump.
Trump's Attorney General Nominee Faces Tough Questions on Independence and Loyalty
Trump's Attorney General Nominee Faces Tough Questions on Independence and Loyalty
In a tense confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi was questioned about her commitment to impartiality in the Justice Department.
During her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, faced a barrage of questions regarding her commitment to maintaining independence within the Department of Justice. Bondi, who is expected to succeed if confirmed due to the Republican majority in the Senate, emphasized, "There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice," amidst repeated inquiries about her loyalty to the president-elect.
While promising not to politicize the office, Bondi did not rule out launching inquiries into individuals with whom Trump has had conflicts, particularly following a question about investigating Jack Smith, a prosecutor leading two criminal cases against Trump. "It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything," she stated.
Throughout the hearing, Bondi echoed a recurring theme from Trump and Republican senators that the Justice Department has been "weaponized," especially under the Biden administration. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley noted the "infected" political decision-making within the department, with Bondi agreeing with statements reflecting the beliefs of the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about past prosecutions against Trump being politically motivated.
Democratic senators voiced concerns over potential misuse of the Justice Department during Bondi's tenure, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse asking how she intended to maintain independence. The topic of FBI director nominee Kash Patel also arose, after Patel’s claims of having an "enemies list." Bondi distanced herself from Patel's comments, asserting that no such practices would be tolerated within the Department.
Bondi also addressed the potential of reviewing pardons for Capitol riot participants on a "case by case basis," while firmly denouncing violence against law enforcement officers. The Attorney General serves a critical role, providing legal counsel to the President and overseeing federal law enforcement matters. As Congress prepares for a vote on her confirmation in the coming days, Senators also questioned fellow nominee Marco Rubio about proposed changes to US foreign policy, indicating potential shifts in both domestic and international governance under Trump's administration.
