In keeping with his trend of appointing loyalists, former President Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi for Attorney General. This announcement follows Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from the race amidst allegations of sex trafficking and drug use. Here are five key insights about Pam Bondi, Trump’s latest pick:
1. Trailblazer in Florida Politics
Pam Bondi made history in 2010 as the first woman elected Attorney General of Florida. Before her political career, she spent over 18 years as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County’s State Attorney’s Office. During her tenure as Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, Bondi took strong stances on human trafficking, advocating for tougher laws, and launched litigation against opioid manufacturers, drawing widespread attention.
2. Trump’s Loyal Ally During Impeachment
Bondi stood by Trump during his first impeachment trial, defending him against allegations of pressuring Ukraine’s president to investigate his political rivals while withholding $400 million in military aid. Bondi supported Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of corruption against Joe Biden and his son Hunter, which bolstered her profile within the Republican Party. She even secured a speaking spot at the Republican National Convention that year.
3. A Custody Battle Over a Hurricane Rescue Dog
Bondi made headlines for a 16-month custody battle over a dog named Master Tank, later renamed Noah, whom she rescued after Hurricane Katrina. A Louisiana family claimed the dog as theirs but Bondi refused to return him, citing alleged neglect by the previous owners. The dispute was eventually resolved out of court, with Bondi returning the dog.
4. Champion of Election Fraud Allegations
In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Bondi reinforced Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. When questioned on Fox News, she speculated about “fake ballots” but provided no evidence to support the allegations. Her statements echoed Trump’s stance, further cementing her loyalty to him.
5. A Longstanding Connection With Trump
Trump and Bondi share a longstanding relationship. In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump praised Bondi, calling her “smart and tough” and an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter.” Their relationship drew scrutiny in 2013 when Bondi received a $25,000 donation from Trump’s foundation during her reelection campaign as Attorney General. At the time, her office had a case involving Trump University, but she ultimately did not pursue the lawsuit. Both Bondi and Trump have denied any connection between the donation and the case’s outcome.
Pam Bondi’s nomination marks yet another move by Trump to surround himself with trusted allies as he prepares for a potential 2024 presidential bid. Whether her tenure will be as eventful as her career thus far remains to be seen.