Trump’s Attorney General Nominee Defends Independence in Heated Hearing

• Pam Bondi pledges DOJ independence, denies plans for political “enemies list.”
• Senate questions focus on DOJ’s potential weaponization under Bondi’s tenure.
• Bondi vows case-by-case approach to Capitol riot pardon considerations.

Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, vowed during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday to keep the Department of Justice free from political bias, despite concerns over her potential loyalty to the president-elect.

“There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice,” Bondi assured senators when questioned about the possibility of using the department to target political opponents. “I will not politicize that office.”

EDITOR’S PICKS 

• Polaris Bank’s Initiatives Ensure Continuous Education for Over 16,000 Students
• Verydarkman Pranks Nigerians: No N180 Missing From NGO Funds
• Why I Faked Missing N180m — VeryDarkMan

However, Bondi stopped short of ruling out investigations into individuals Trump has clashed with, including Jack Smith, who led criminal cases against the former president. “It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything,” she said when pressed on the matter.

Throughout the hearing, Bondi, who is poised to become the 87th U.S. attorney general pending Senate approval, emphasized her intention to maintain independence. Yet, she echoed Republican criticisms that federal prosecutions against Trump were politically motivated, stating, “The department has been weaponized for years and years.”

Republican senators, including Iowa’s Chuck Grassley, accused the Biden administration of politicizing the Justice Department, claims Bondi endorsed. Grassley said the department had been “infected with political decision-making” and unfairly targeted Trump.

Democratic senators expressed concerns over Bondi’s ability to remain impartial, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse cautioning against “weaponization of the justice department” under her leadership. Bondi responded by reiterating her commitment to neutrality.

The hearing also included questions about FBI director nominee Kash Patel, who has reportedly compiled an “enemies list” of individuals to investigate if confirmed. Bondi distanced herself from these remarks, saying she was unaware of them and asserting that the Department of Justice would not maintain such a list.

On the issue of pardons for Capitol rioters, Bondi stated she would evaluate cases individually, while condemning violence against law enforcement.

FURTHER READING

• Why We Must Increase Call, Data Tariffs In 2025 – Telecoms Operators
• 19 Year old Arraigned in Kaduna for Allegedly Stabbing Uncle
• Diversify or Face Poverty: Abbas Calls for Economic Shift

If confirmed, Bondi will lead the Justice Department and advise the president and executive branches on legal matters. A confirmation vote is expected soon, given the Republican majority in the Senate.

Separately, Senators questioned Marco Rubio, Trump’s secretary of state nominee, who called for a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy to reduce reliance on China and prioritize American interests.

Click here to watch our video of the week: