Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, to serve as U.S. Attorney General, following the withdrawal of his original pick, Rep. Matt Gaetz, amid a federal sex trafficking investigation and ethics probes. The nomination, announced Thursday via a social media post by Trump, marks Bondi’s return to the national political spotlight.
Bondi, 59, has long been a fixture in Trump’s political circle. She was one of Trump’s earliest and staunchest supporters, endorsing him during the 2016 Republican primary and playing a key role at the Republican National Convention that year. Her pro-Trump rhetoric and television appearances, particularly on Fox News, cemented her place in his orbit. Despite speculation during Trump’s first term about her potential nomination for Attorney General, the role ultimately went to William Barr.
If confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, Bondi would take charge of the U.S. Department of Justice, overseeing the nation’s legal framework at a time of heightened scrutiny over Trump’s actions. Her potential appointment is likely to draw significant attention, given Trump’s threats of retribution against his perceived adversaries and concerns over whether the Justice Department could be used to further his political goals.
Bondi’s political career began in 2010 when she became Florida’s first female Attorney General. She was a prosecutor for 18 years in Hillsborough County before rising to statewide prominence. As AG, she became known for her strong stance on human trafficking, leading efforts to strengthen laws against traffickers. Bondi also gained national attention for challenging President Obama’s Affordable Care Act and advocating for stricter immigration laws.
After stepping down as AG in 2019, Bondi transitioned into lobbying, working for the Florida-based firm Ballard Partners. Her clients included major corporations, such as General Motors and Major League Baseball, as well as international entities like the government of Qatar. She also represented clients involved in anti-human trafficking efforts related to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Bondi has remained a loyal defender of Trump, serving on his legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. She defended his actions in Ukraine, which were the basis of the impeachment, and has since become a vocal critic of the criminal cases against him, including those brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
With the nomination of Bondi, Trump aims to solidify his legal defense apparatus ahead of his potential return to the White House, though her confirmation remains uncertain.