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President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general.
Bondi, who served two terms as Florida’s chief legal officer, succeeds the president’s previous nomination of former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his candidacy for the role earlier on Thursday.
“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families,” the president-elect wrote in post to Truth Social. “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 countries.”
Alleging the “partisan” Justice Department having been “weaponized” against him and Republicans, the president stated that Bondi would “refocus” the agency for its “intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.”
He continued, “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!”
As RSBN previously reported, Bondi’s nominated predecessor withdrew his candidacy from consideration, writing earlier Thursday that his confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
Gaetz’s nomination was considered controversial by some, with his ability to receive majority approval by the U.S. Senate also sparking debate among party members.
Trump responded to the congressman’s announcement shortly thereafter, expressing his understanding for his withdrawal from consideration.
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” he added.