President-elect Trump announces Pam Bondi as his new pick for US attorney general
The former Florida AG replaces nominee Matt Gaetz, who hours earlier withdrew as the top pick
Trump Nominates Pam Bondi for U.S. Attorney General, Replacing Matt Gaetz
On Thursday evening, President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Pam Bondi, Florida’s former attorney general, to serve as the next U.S. attorney general.
Bondi’s selection follows the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, who had been Trump’s initial nominee for the role. Gaetz stepped down earlier on Thursday, citing the "distraction" caused by allegations of involvement with underage women and improper conduct.
In his announcement, Trump praised Bondi’s extensive legal background and leadership in Florida. "Pam served as a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she took a tough stance on violent criminals and made Florida safer for families," Trump stated. "As Florida’s first female attorney general, she led efforts to combat drug trafficking and curb the devastating toll of fentanyl overdoses, saving countless lives. She was so effective that I appointed her to my Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first term."
Trump also highlighted Bondi’s alignment with his vision for the Justice Department. "The DOJ has been weaponized against me and Republicans for too long. Pam will restore its focus on fighting crime and ensuring safety for all Americans," he said. "I’ve known Pam for years—she’s smart, tough, and a proven America First advocate who will excel in this role."
Shortly after the announcement, Gaetz expressed his support for Bondi, calling her "an outstanding choice" for the position.
"Pam and I collaborated closely when she served as Florida’s attorney general, and I chaired the state house’s Criminal Justice
Bondi’s nomination signals Trump’s intent to reshape the Justice Department under his administration, prioritizing crime prevention and addressing perceived politica