Bondi Pledges to End Partisan Weaponization of Justice Department, Faces Scrutiny from Democrats

Pam Bondi's Confirmation Hearing for Attorney General

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. In her opening statement, Bondi pledged to end the "partisan weaponization" of the Department of Justice and return it to its core mission.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and close ally of Trump, is expected to face questions from Democrats about whether she would use the Justice Department to target Trump's political enemies. She has vowed to prioritize violent crime, child predators, drug trafficking, and border security.

Bondi also plans to address the Bureau of Prisons, which has been plagued by understaffing, abuse, and disrepair. She supports building new halfway houses and following through on the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law signed by Trump in 2018.

Bondi highlighted her 18 years of experience as a prosecutor and her efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect consumers from "overreach by big tech companies." She also pledged to defend the foundational rights of all Americans, including free speech, free exercise of religion, and the right to bear arms.

Democrats are likely to probe Bondi on her interpretation of the role of attorney general and her commitment to the independence of the Justice Department. They may also express concerns about her loyalty to Trump and her potential to use the department for political purposes.

Despite these concerns, Bondi is not expected to face significant hurdles to confirmation by the Republican-led Senate. She is considered one of the less controversial choices for Trump's new cabinet.