Pam Bondi, the nominee for U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump, assured Senate Democrats on Wednesday that the Department of Justice would not pursue politically motivated prosecutions. While rejecting the idea of excluding investigations into Trump’s opponents, she emphasized her commitment to preserving the department’s independence, reports VOA.
The confirmation hearing, which saw some tense exchanges, was dominated by Democratic concerns over the possibility of Trump using the Justice Department to target his adversaries, including prosecutors who investigated him. Senators questioned whether Bondi could resist presidential pressure and uphold ethical standards if asked to act unlawfully.
“I would not be sitting here today if I thought something like that would happen,” Bondi responded when asked if she would comply with White House demands to drop a case based on political pressure.
Republicans, however, welcomed Bondi’s nomination, viewing it as a correction for the Department’s perceived liberal agenda, particularly following investigations into Trump that led to two impeachment charges. Bondi repeatedly assured senators that, if confirmed, she would not politicize the department or initiate investigations for political purposes.
“I will respect the Constitution and serve the public, not the president,” Bondi stated. “Under my leadership, partisanship and politicization will be eradicated.”
Despite Bondi’s assurances, Democratic senators remained wary of her allegiance to Trump, particularly given her role in representing him during one of his impeachment trials. Republican Senator John Kennedy further questioned Bondi, asking if she would ever open an investigation based solely on someone’s name. Bondi assured him that would never be the case, stressing that she aimed to restore trust and integrity to the Justice Department.
Bondi also voiced support for Trump’s claim that investigations into him were politically motivated, labeling the Justice Department as “politicized” during past years and vowing to stop such practices.
As for her priorities, Bondi’s agenda includes protecting Second Amendment rights, defending freedom of speech, securing the border, and tackling violent crime and terrorism. She is expected to receive confirmation in the Senate, where Republicans hold the majority.
