The Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearing for Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, is shaping up to be a spectacle that will undoubtedly expose the deep political rift dividing the chamber. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General with a reputation for toughness and loyalty to Trump, is entering the lion’s den today as Democrats sharpen their knives to scrutinize her qualifications, political ties, and independence—or lack thereof, in their eyes.
WATCH: Pam Bondi completely DESTROYS Adam Schiff, a man who disgraces any government door he darkens.
This is a masterclass on dealing with a pompous, slimy, show trail politician. Bravo, Pam Bondi. pic.twitter.com/8iugTaS8ko
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 15, 2025
Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, ever the optimist, has called for a “respectful and efficient process,” though let’s be honest—civility isn’t exactly a hallmark of modern Senate hearings. Grassley wants Democrats to treat Bondi with the same “professional courtesy” they claim to have shown Merrick Garland during his tenure. But anyone who’s been paying attention knows that’s not going to happen. The Democrats are already loading up their talking points, with Senator Dick Durbin leading the charge to paint Bondi as nothing more than Trump’s personal enforcer.
Durbin, the ranking member, wasted no time voicing his “serious concerns” about Bondi. Among his gripes: her past work as Trump’s personal attorney, her support for contesting the 2020 election results, and her record on hot-button issues like reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. Durbin has telegraphed that he plans to hammer Bondi on whether she can uphold the Justice Department’s independence, a dig that’s as much about Bondi as it is a swipe at Trump. Apparently, Durbin and his Democratic colleagues are deeply worried about politicization at the DOJ—an ironic concern given recent years.
Pam Bondi HUMILIATED Sen. Durbin🤣
Durbin: “He said to the GA Secretary of State, ‘find 11,780 votes.'”
Bondi: “Do you have the entire context of that call? I feel it was much longer than that.”
Durbin: “It is. It was an hour long.”
Bondi: “Right.”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 15, 2025
For Republicans, however, Bondi’s track record is more than enough to justify her nomination. Grassley and other GOP members have praised her as a seasoned legal professional with a proven ability to lead. Her eight years as Florida’s Attorney General and nearly 20 years as a prosecutor have earned her a reputation as a tough-on-crime advocate. Republicans argue that Bondi will bring much-needed focus back to the DOJ’s primary mission: enforcing the law and ensuring public safety rather than serving as a political cudgel for progressive causes.
President-elect Trump, never one to shy away from glowing endorsements, hailed Bondi’s toughness and dedication to the “America First” agenda when he announced her nomination in November. Trump has promised that Bondi will restore integrity to the DOJ and end what he calls the department’s fixation on political witch hunts. His confidence in her is shared by a bipartisan group of 60 former attorneys general, who penned a letter urging the Senate to confirm her, as well as numerous former DOJ officials who see her as a strong and capable leader.
BOOM: Pam Bondi is asked about Prosecuting corrupt DOJ lawyers and then gives masterclass in Biden’s corruption:
“Let me give you a really good example of a bad lawyer within the Justice Department, a guy named Clinesmith who altered a FISA warrant…”
Democrats left stunned pic.twitter.com/Q1VFcx315O
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 15, 2025
Still, the hearing promises to be contentious. Democrats will almost certainly press Bondi on her ties to Trump and question whether she can truly act impartially as Attorney General. They’ll likely frame her as an ideologue beholden to Trump’s agenda. Republicans, meanwhile, will highlight her legal experience, her leadership as Florida’s top attorney, and her commitment to law and order.
Bondi’s confirmation will likely come down to whether she can convince enough Senators that she can prioritize the Constitution over political loyalty. While Republicans have the numbers to push her through, the theatrics of the hearing are bound to dominate headlines, giving each side yet another opportunity to air their grievances. For Bondi, the stakes couldn’t be higher—this is her moment to prove she’s ready to lead the Justice Department, even in the face of relentless partisan scrutiny.
