The Republican-led Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general in a 54-46 vote, with Democratic Senator John Fetterman joining all 53 Republicans. Bondi, a close Trump ally and former Florida attorney general, takes over the Justice Department amid sweeping cuts targeting prosecutors and FBI agents involved in the Jan. 6 investigations.
During her confirmation hearing, Bondi vowed to keep the department independent and free of political influence. However, concerns remain over whether she will resist improper directives from Trump, especially after mass firings of prosecutors pursuing cases against him. Shortly after taking office, Trump signed an executive order condemning the “weaponizing” of law enforcement and ordering a review of all enforcement agencies.
Bondi, 59, previously defended Trump in his first impeachment trial and has echoed his false claims of voter fraud. Financial disclosures reveal she holds a stake in Trump’s media company.
Trump’s first nominee, former Representative Matt Gaetz, withdrew after a House ethics report alleged he paid women for sex and drugs and obstructed Congress. Gaetz remains the only nominee to drop out.
Meanwhile, Senate committees advanced two controversial Trump nominees—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s top health official and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.
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