The U.S. Senate is working through all of Trump’s nominations. One is super critical.
That’s why this U.S. Senate vote has Trump on the edge of his seat.
Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Pam Bondi’s Nomination for U.S. Attorney General
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Wednesday to approve Pam Bondi’s nomination for U.S. attorney general, a widely anticipated decision that now clears her for a full Senate vote later this week. The vote saw all 12 Republican committee members in favor of the nomination, with 10 Democrats voting against it. Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, is no stranger to high-stakes law enforcement issues. She gained significant recognition in Florida for her efforts to combat drug trafficking, violent crime, and the proliferation of “pill mills” in the state. Prior to her tenure as Florida’s attorney general, Bondi spent 18 years as a prosecutor in the Hillsborough County state attorney’s office, equipping her with the legal experience many believe will be vital in her potential new role as the nation’s top prosecutor.
Her nomination, which had been expected to proceed smoothly, was bolstered by a strong show of bipartisan support. Over 110 former senior Justice Department officials, including past attorneys general, as well as numerous state attorneys general from both political parties, expressed their approval of Bondi’s candidacy. These figures praised her work across party lines and highlighted her reputation as an experienced prosecutor with a track record of building consensus rather than creating division.
In interviews and letters shared exclusively with Fox News first, these supporters described Bondi as a motivated and effective prosecutor. Her supporters emphasized that, if confirmed, Bondi would bring a balanced and pragmatic approach to leading the Department of Justice (DOJ), rather than succumbing to the partisan tensions that have often shaped Washington politics.
During her confirmation hearing earlier this month, Bondi made her priorities clear, stating, “If confirmed to head up DOJ, the partisanship, the weaponization will be gone. America will have one tier of justice for all.” However, whether her approach will prove effective remains uncertain, given the complex political landscape she will navigate.
When the confirmation vote took place on Wednesday, the political backdrop had changed significantly since Bondi’s initial testimony just two weeks earlier. Since President Donald Trump’s swearing-in, the administration has taken several controversial steps, including firing more than 15 inspectors general from federal agencies, removing numerous special counsel members investigating him, and reassigning key DOJ officials. Additionally, Trump froze new hiring at the DOJ and issued sweeping clemency grants for over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
BREAKING: The Senate Judiciary Committee just advanced Pam Bondi's nomination to become the next Attorney General with a tight 12-10 vote.
The fact that Democrats heavily oppose her is fantastic news. It means she's a change agent.
The vote will now go before the full Senate. pic.twitter.com/jR43T6GtCd
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 29, 2025
Bondi’s Outspoken Critics Losing Their Battle To Nuke Her Nomination
Democrats have voiced strong concerns over these actions, fearing that Bondi may be unable to maintain the independence of the Justice Department in the face of a president who has shown a willingness to make controversial and impulsive decisions. Some have also questioned Bondi’s commitment to holding political “enemies” accountable and urged her to clarify certain remarks made by Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI nominee.
Despite these concerns, Bondi remained composed and steadfast throughout her confirmation hearing, which lasted for over five hours with only a 30-minute lunch break. She focused on her past achievements as Florida’s top prosecutor, highlighting her efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. She also shared her vision for a Department of Justice free from political influence, emphasizing that she would strive to ensure fairness and impartiality in all DOJ operations.
If confirmed, many of Bondi’s former colleagues expect her to bring the same strategies she implemented in Florida to Washington, with a particular focus on tackling drug trafficking, the illicit fentanyl trade, and the cartels responsible for smuggling drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. Dave Aronberg, a Democrat who once challenged Bondi in the race for Florida attorney general, recounted an instance where Bondi called him after her victory and asked him to serve as her drug czar. Aronberg expressed his admiration for Bondi’s willingness to face political challenges head-on, even when it meant defying party expectations.
“She stood up to them and did what she thought was right, regardless of political pressure,” Aronberg told reporters. “That’s what gives me hope here—that she’ll steer the Department of Justice toward policy rather than politics. I’m hopeful she’ll focus on critical issues like border security, human trafficking, and the rise of anti-Semitism in our country, even if those positions aren’t always popular.”
With the Senate expected to vote on her nomination soon, all eyes will be on Bondi as she prepares to take on one of the most influential positions in the U.S. government. Her confirmation would mark a significant moment in the Trump administration, as the Justice Department faces challenges both internal and external, with critics and supporters alike eager to see how Bondi navigates the difficult waters ahead of cleaning up the mess in the Department of Justice.
The Conservative Column will keep you updated on the Pam Bondi confirmation process.
