OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to U.S. attorney general appears to have been a good choice, according to several Republicans who see smooth sailing ahead for her Senate confirmation.
Trump named Bondi after his first choice, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), generated a firestorm of controversy and no small amount of Senate opposition from some Republicans in the upper chamber as they prepare to take control in January after seizing a majority over Democrats.
“I am proud to announce former Attorney General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General of the United States,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that that Bondi has the experience the office needs.
“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families. Then, as Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country,” Trump wrote.
“She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term — We saved many lives!” he added.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!” Trump added.
GOP senators and others quickly voiced their support.
“Congratulations to my friend @PamBondi, the next attorney general of the United States I look forward to supporting her nomination in the Senate,” Sen Mike Lee of Utah tweeted.
Congratulations to my friend @PamBondi, the next attorney general of the United States
I look forward to supporting her nomination in the Senate https://t.co/UjrV07IYxd
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 22, 2024
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said on X that Bondi will be easily confirmed.
“Well done, Mr. President. Picking Pam Bondi for Attorney General is a grand slam, touchdown, hole in one, ace, hat trick, slam dunk, Olympic gold medal pick. She will be confirmed quickly because she deserves to be confirmed quickly,” Graham predicted.
In a post on X, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said Bondi should immediately form a panel to “investigate the abuses of DOJ & FBI – the persecution of Trump & conservatives, the spying on Christians, the targeting of prolifers. I will lead the charge in the Senate. And I know Pam Bondi will be a fantastic partner in this effort to CLEAN UP the FBI & DOJ.”
Also this week, the far-left hosts of ABC’s “The View” were required to deliver another on-air legal note during Thursday’s broadcast after suggestPresident-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
The co-hosts specifically criticized Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General shortly after the segment aired, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. However, they were later forced to clarify that while both men have been investigated, they have consistently denied any wrongdoing, and neither has ever been charged.
“Just call the show ‘Legal Note,’” from now on, Behar joked as they ended the segment.
Earlier this week, co-host Sunny Hostin deleted her X account following Trump’s presidential election win, saying she believes it was a “patriotic” act.
During an interview on the “Behind The Table” podcast, Hostin said she no longer wants to be associated with the social media website because Trump supporter Elon Musk owns it.
“I think the most patriotic thing I could do right now is just to delete the account. Elon Musk took it over and I feel like he ruined it. Black Twitter was a thing that I loved and it was sort of replaced… with misogyny and racism. I don’t want to be affiliated with anything that he owns. I’m not going to buy a Tesla, I’m not going to buy Tesla stock,” Hostin said.