The former Florida Attorney General becomes Trump’s second choice after Matt Gaetz steps down from consideration

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his new pick for Attorney General, selecting Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, to replace Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, a former Republican congressman, had previously been nominated but withdrew from consideration, paving the way for Bondi’s appointment.

Bondi, 59, has been a staunch ally of Trump for over a decade, advising him on legal matters and defending him during his first Senate impeachment trial. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, praised Bondi as “smart and tough,” describing her as an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter” who would excel in the role of Attorney General.

“I have known Pam for many years. She will do a terrific job as Attorney General!” Trump added.

Bondi’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, but she has not yet commented on the announcement. She has long been a key figure in Trump’s political circle and played a prominent role during his presidential campaigns, speaking at both the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions.

However, her political career has not been without controversy. In 2013, the Trump Foundation made a $25,000 donation to Bondi’s reelection campaign while her office was investigating Trump University. The lawsuit, which probed Trump and his real estate school, was ultimately not joined by Bondi’s office, sparking allegations of a conflict of interest. Both Bondi and Trump have denied any wrongdoing, stating the donation did not influence her decision not to pursue the case.

Bondi’s endorsement of Trump during the 2016 election and her involvement in promoting the “big lie” in 2020, which falsely claimed that Trump won Pennsylvania, further solidified her ties to the former president.