Trump attorney general nominee Pam Bondi to testify before Judiciary Committee

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, is set to face the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday morning for her confirmation hearing. This comes after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the position, leaving Bondi as Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The confirmation hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., where Bondi will field questions from both Republican and Democrat members of the committee. Chair Chuck Grassley expressed hope that Bondi would receive the same courteous consideration from Democrats as previous nominees, emphasizing the need to stay within the timeline for the hearing process.

The Senate Judiciary Committee includes prominent members such as Lindsey Graham, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and others from both parties. Ranking member Dick Durbin has raised concerns about Bondi’s record, particularly her close ties to President-elect Trump and her involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Durbin emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Attorney General upholds the rule of law and remains independent from political influence.

During the hearing, Durbin is expected to press Bondi on these issues, along with concerns about her stance on civil rights issues such as reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Grassley, on the other hand, has praised Bondi’s legal career and qualifications for the role, noting her experience as Florida’s Attorney General and as a prosecutor.

Trump has lauded Bondi as a tough and smart choice for Attorney General, promising that she would refocus the DOJ on fighting crime and ensuring the safety of Americans. Bondi has garnered support from former attorneys general from both parties, as well as former Justice Department officials who have endorsed her nomination.

As the confirmation hearing unfolds, all eyes will be on Bondi as she navigates tough questions from committee members and seeks to secure their approval for her appointment as the next Attorney General. The outcome of the hearing will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the Department of Justice under the new administration.