Key Takeaways:
* Former Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi, is now President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general.
* Bondi, a long-time Trump advocate, was selected after Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration amidst a federal sex trafficking investigation.
* If confirmed, Bondi, Florida’s first female attorney general, will become a highly surveilled member of Trump’s cabinet.
* Bondi has a history of controversial political issues but has remained a fervent defender of Trump.
* Prior to her nomination, Bondi worked as a lobbyist for U.S. and foreign clients, voicing issues on immigration policy, human rights, and economic sanctions.
Meet Pam Bondi: An Integral Part of Trump’s World
In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has named Pam Bondi as his choice to be U.S. attorney general. Bondi, a 59-year-old former Florida attorney general, was picked by Trump hours after his original option, Matt Gaetz, opted out due to complications stemming from a federal sex trafficking investigation and an ethics probe.
Born and raised in Tampa, Bondi became a household name in 2010 when she was elected as Florida’s first female attorney general. Serving with a tenure that spanned for eight years, from 2011 to 2019, she made significant contributions in state laws against human traffickers.
Bondi & Trump: An Unwavering Alliance
Bondi and Trump share a long history. In March 2016, on the brink of the Republican primary in Florida, Bondi chose Trump over Florida Senator Marco Rubio, endorsing the businessman at a rally. This move catapulted her to national prominence as a staunch supporter of Trump.
Moreover, when former attorney general Jeff Sessions left the office in 2018, Bondi was considered for the role. While the job ultimately went to William Barr, Trump remarked that he would “love” for Bondi to be part of his administration.
In Trump’s crucial impeachment trial in 2020, Bondi played a pivotal role by serving in his legal team. She was instrumental in strengthening the White House’s messaging and communications throughout the reign.
Her Political Issues and Controversial Stances
Bondi has had her fair share of political issues. She came under fire in 2013 when she delayed the execution of a convicted killer due to a clash with her re-election campaign fundraiser. This act was met with criticism, to which she publicly apologized.
Another controversy involved Bondi personally soliciting a 2013 political contribution from Trump whilst her office was determining if they should join a fraud lawsuit against Trump University. Eventually, her office decided against pursuing the lawsuit.
Dealing with the Criminal Cases Against Trump
Bondi has been vocal about her criticism of the criminal cases filed against Trump. She accused the special counsel who charged Trump in two federal charges, of weaponizing the legal system to make a name for themselves. As the attorney general, it is expected that she would uphold Trump’s demands and interests.
Her Role as a Lobbyist
Before being nominated for the AG role, Bondi was a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, a powerful Florida-based firm. Her clientele includes General Motors, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, and a Christian anti-human-trafficking advocacy group. She also represented foreign firms, including a Kuwaiti firm and the government of Qatar. Her work was associated with anti-human-trafficking efforts, immigration policy, human rights, and economic sanctions issues.
All Eyes on the Confirmation
The Republican-led Senate would need to confirm Bondi’s appointment. However, she is anticipated to mirror Trump’s enforcement of law if she secures the position. Her role is pertinent given Trump’s intent to seek payback from his perceived enemies and concerns among Democrats over the manipulation of the Justice Department. As such, her confirmation would make her one of the most diligently scrutinized members of Trump’s Cabinet.