The U.S. Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the new attorney general on Tuesday. The vote, which was 54-46 in favor, appointed the former Florida state attorney general to lead the U.S. Department of Justice, positioning her as one of President Donald Trump’s closest political allies in the legal system.
This confirmation is seen as a way for Trump to reinforce his control over the Justice Department, which has undergone significant changes, including cuts aimed at prosecutors and FBI agents involved in investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman joined the 53 Republican senators in voting for Bondi’s confirmation.
Bondi, 59, has promised to uphold the department’s independence, assuring lawmakers during her confirmation hearing that she would not allow politics to influence investigations. However, some lawmakers remain concerned about her ability to resist potential political pressure from Trump, especially after the dismissals of prosecutors pursuing cases against him.
Trump’s executive order, signed on January 20, criticized the “weaponizing” of federal agencies, ordering a review of their activities, including law enforcement actions.
Bondi, a longtime prosecutor, previously represented Trump during his first impeachment trial. She has also repeated some of Trump’s false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election.
In addition to her new role, Bondi holds shares in Trump’s media company, the Trump Media and Technology Group, as disclosed in financial records.
Bondi is Trump’s second pick for the attorney general position. His first choice, former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name following an ethics report linking him to sex and drug scandals.
On Tuesday, Senate committees also advanced the nominations of two other controversial Trump picks—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary and Tulsi Gabbard as head of intelligence.
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