Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, as the next U.S. attorney general. The announcement came just hours after former Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration due to opposition from Senate Republicans, who raised concerns over allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Bondi’s nomination underscores Trump’s determination to appoint a staunch ally to the nation’s highest law enforcement office. It is yet another instance of Trump placing loyalists within key positions in the justice department.
According to sources familiar with the decision, Trump quickly decided on Bondi as Gaetz’s replacement. Although Bondi had not actively sought the role, her loyalty to Trump and her high-profile defense of him on television made her an appealing choice.
Bondi’s widespread support among Trump’s circle and the Senate Republican conference, in contrast to Gaetz’s contentious reception, also influenced Trump’s senior advisers to back her nomination on Thursday, the sources said.
“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. Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals,” Trump declared on Truth Social.
“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!”
If confirmed by the Senate, Bondi’s appointment would be seen as a reward for her unwavering loyalty to Trump, which began during the 2016 campaign when she emerged as a vocal defender of his candidacy. Bondi also played a key role in Trump’s legal defense during his first impeachment trial, echoed baseless claims about the 2020 election, and actively supported his 2024 campaign, including attending his criminal trial in New York.
Bondi’s path to the justice department was also marked by fortuitous timing. Trump had initially chosen Gaetz, bypassing more conventional candidates. His decision-making process often involved evaluating candidates on their loyalty and television appeal, sometimes screening candidates at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Trump had initially considered candidates like Mark Paoletta, former White House counsel for the Office of Management and Budget; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey; and Robert Giuffra, co-chair of the law firm Sullivan and Cromwell. Ultimately, he opted for Gaetz, drawn to his combative persona.
Gaetz’s nomination, however, collapsed following a series of meetings with Republican senators on Wednesday. By evening, Trump’s team received clear signals of continued resistance to Gaetz’s appointment.
On Thursday morning, Trump called Gaetz and acknowledged he lacked the votes for confirmation, marking a rare moment of pragmatism. Gaetz agreed and withdrew from consideration. Sources revealed Gaetz recognized that senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and senator-elect John Curtis would block his confirmation.
In a statement from Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed gratitude for Gaetz’s efforts, saying: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be attorney general. 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.”
