Pam Bondi has officially been confirmed as U.S. attorney general in a 54-46 Senate vote, placing her in charge of the Justice Department as President Donald Trump seeks to dismantle what he calls the political weaponization of federal law enforcement.
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to support Bondi’s confirmation. He has previously voiced concerns about the legal cases against Trump, calling them politically motivated. During her confirmation hearing, Bondi emphasized that “partisan politics will not play a part” in her leadership and promised that the law would be applied fairly.
One of Bondi’s key priorities will be reviewing the DOJ’s actions related to the January 6 protests. The department has compiled records on over 5,000 FBI employees who worked on those cases, leading to speculation about possible terminations. Although Trump administration officials have said there are no plans for mass firings, some agents remain concerned.
Bondi will also oversee the review of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Trump. Smith resigned before Trump took office, and two cases against the president were dismissed under long-standing DOJ precedent that prevents the prosecution of a sitting president. Bondi has previously stated that the prosecutors involved in these cases may face scrutiny.
In addition, Bondi is expected to roll back several policies implemented under the Biden administration. This includes rescinding a 2023 FBI memo that was criticized for targeting traditional Catholics, as well as a 2021 directive from then-Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding alleged threats at school board meetings.
With Bondi at the helm, the DOJ will also be responsible for defending Trump’s policies in court. Federal judges have already blocked some of the administration’s executive orders, including one that freezes federal aid programs and another that seeks to end birthright citizenship. As Bondi takes office, the department is set to undergo major changes.
