Trump’s AG pick, Pam Bondi, vows not to prosecute for political purposes in confirmation hearing
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During her confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, assured Democratic senators that she would not use the position to prosecute anyone for political purposes. Yet, Bondi refused to rule out potential investigations into Trump’s adversaries. Some of her responses during the hearing mirrored Trump’s rhetoric, raising concerns among Democrats about her loyalty to Trump and challenges to her ability to maintain the Justice Department’s independence from the White House.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, assured Democratic senators in a heated confirmation hearing that her Justice Department wouldn’t conduct politically-motivated prosecutions. However, she remained non-committal about potential investigations into Trump’s critics.
Democrats sought assurance on the department’s autonomy and ethical standards under a potential Trump presidency. They expressed concern over possible misuse of power, citing prior instances where Trump allegedly leveraged Justice Department resources against his opponents.
Bondi, formerly Florida’s Attorney General, insisted she wouldn’t politicize the office or target individuals for political reasons. “I hope no attorney general going forward would ever do that,” she commented.
Democrats remain skeptical, however, due to Bondi’s refusal to dismiss Trump’s more controversial claims. Indeed, her support for Trump’s election victory and unwillingness to denounce his characterization of Capitol riot participants raised eyebrows.
During the hearing, Bondi didn’t directly acknowledge Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, instead insinuating instances of fraud in Pennsylvania’s election process. “We shouldn’t want there to be any issues with election integrity in our country,” she noted.
She backed Trump’s assertion that the many investigations against him were politically motivated. However, special counsel Jack Smith, who brought two indictments against Trump, strongly denied these claims.
Republicans voiced strong support for Bondi, applauding her agenda of defending gun rights, free speech, border protection, and opposing violent crime and terrorism. With Republican-majority Senate, Bondi’s confirmation is likely, despite Democratic concerns about potential political bias in the Justice Department.
“If confirmed, I will work to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice — and each of its components,” Bondi stated. “Under my watch, the partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end. America must have one tier of justice for all.”
Republican senators, including committee chair Chuck Grassley, echoed Bondi’s sentiment, arguing that the Democratic administration had already politicized the department and called for a change in direction.
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