Trump names Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen experienced prosecutor Pam Bondi as his new candidate for attorney general, just a few hours after Matt Gaetz stepped back from the nomination process.

Bondi has extensive experience in law enforcement and has also held the position of attorney general for the state of Florida.

Bondi, a close supporter of Trump for many years, was involved in his legal team during the initial Senate impeachment trial. She also demonstrated her backing by attending his hush money trial in New York.

In a social media update announcing his decision, Trump stated, "Pam served as a prosecutor for almost two decades, during which she rigorously targeted violent offenders to help ensure the safety of families in Florida."

Bondi has maintained a close relationship with Trump since his campaign in 2016. At a recent rally for Trump, she expressed to the audience that she regards him as a "friend."

In 2019, she became part of his White House team to concentrate on "active communication regarding impeachment." She worked as his legal counsel and defense attorney during his first impeachment, from which he was found not guilty.

She remained a member of Trump's legal team in 2020 as they propagated untrue statements about the election being taken from Trump because of fraudulent voting.

She was a member of Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission and has recently taken charge of the legal division at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank established by former staff members of Trump.

If approved by the Senate, Bondi will take on the role of the nation’s top law enforcement official, overseeing the justice department, which employs over 115,000 staff and manages a budget of around $45 billion (£35.7 billion).

She would be instrumental in efforts to carry out Trump's promise to retaliate against his political rivals once he assumes office.

She has openly expressed her criticism of the legal charges filed against Trump, as well as against special counsel Jack Smith, who has brought two federal cases against him.

“For a long time, the biased Department of Justice has been used as a tool against me and other Republicans, but that changes now,” Trump posted on Thursday night.

"Pam will redirect the DOJ to prioritize its core mission of combating crime and ensuring the safety of the American people once more."

Trump also has several initiatives for the department, such as putting a stop to what he calls "weaponized government," safeguarding the nation's borders, taking down criminal syndicates, and rebuilding the American people's "deeply broken trust and confidence" in the department.

Trump's transition team is likely counting on Bondi's nomination journey to be smoother and less chaotic compared to Gaetz's experience.

In response to the announcement, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his belief that Bondi would be swiftly confirmed. He described her selection using an array of sports metaphors, referring to it as a "grand slam, touchdown, hole in one, ace, hat trick, slam dunk, and an Olympic gold medal choice."

The announcement of Bondi's nomination arrived approximately six hours after Gaetz declared that he would not pursue the prominent cabinet position. This decision came after several days of discussions regarding the potential release of a congressional report detailing sexual misconduct allegations against him.

At 41, he announced that he would be stepping back, stating that the debate surrounding his possible nomination was "unfairly distracting" from the efforts of the upcoming Trump administration.

The report presented the results of an investigation that was initiated due to accusations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse. Gaetz has strongly refuted these allegations but expressed a desire to sidestep a lengthy battle in Washington by stepping back from the situation.

Later on Thursday, Gaetz praised Bondi, describing her as "an excellent choice by President Trump."

"She has a strong track record as a litigator, is a motivating leader, and advocates for the rights of all Americans. She is poised to implement the necessary changes at the Department of Justice," he stated.

It's uncertain whether Gaetz, who stepped down from his House position shortly after Trump nominated him for attorney general, will now attempt to keep his seat.

Following his decisive victory in the election earlier this month, Trump has appointed a number of trusted associates to key roles within his administration.