Pam Bondi Defends Independence During Attorney General Nomination Hearing

Pam Bondi, Trump's nominee for Attorney General, faces scrutiny over political impartiality despite assurances to avoid weaponizing the Department of Justice.

During a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, nominated by Donald Trump to be the next Attorney General, sought to assure the Senate that she would not use the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue political vendettas. "There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to political neutrality despite ongoing questions about her loyalty to the president-elect. Bondi noted, "I will not politicise that office," in a bid to quell concerns from senators as they pressed her on the potential for partisan influence.

However, Bondi hesitated to make definitive commitments regarding the launch of investigations into Trump's political rivals, particularly stating, "It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything," when asked about Jack Smith, the prosecutor involved in ongoing legal cases against Trump. Throughout the hearing, Bondi aligned herself with Trump’s narrative of political persecution, contending that the DOJ had been "weaponised for years" under previous administrations.

Republican senators echoed this sentiment, with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley describing the DOJ as "infected with political decision-making" under Biden. In contrast, Democrats expressed concern over Bondi’s independence, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse articulating fears of a potential misuse of the DOJ during her tenure. Democratic senators also raised alarms about comments made by FBI director nominee Kash Patel, who has suggested having an "enemies list," a claim Bondi distanced herself from.

While addressing potential pardons for those involved in the Capitol riots, Bondi claimed she would evaluate these on a "case by case" basis but condemned all forms of violence against law enforcement. Should she receive confirmation, Bondi would assume a key role as the nation's top law officer, tasked with enforcing federal laws and advising the president. A date for her confirmation vote remains unannounced but is anticipated in the coming days.

In a parallel context, Senators also questioned Marco Rubio, expected to be appointed as Secretary of State, who asserted the necessity for the U.S. to pivot away from dependence on China and reorient its foreign policy towards national interests.