Trump Names a New Attorney General Nomination To Replace Matt Gaetz [WATCH]

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will be his nominee for U.S. attorney general, following Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration earlier in the day.

Trump made the announcement through a series of posts on Truth Social, where he praised Bondi’s record as a prosecutor and her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

“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,” Trump wrote. “Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida families.”

President Donald J. Trump announces the nomination of @PamBondi as Attorney General pic.twitter.com/A9PHbBsW5b

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 21, 2024

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Bondi served as Florida’s first female attorney general, holding the position from 2011 to 2019. During her tenure, she focused on combating human trafficking and fighting the opioid crisis. Trump highlighted her efforts to reduce fentanyl-related overdose deaths, describing her as instrumental in saving lives.

“She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first term — We saved many lives!” Trump added.

In a separate post, Trump addressed his broader goals for the Department of Justice under Bondi’s leadership, signaling a shift away from what he described as partisan misuse of the agency.

“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans — Not anymore,” Trump stated. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime, and making America safe again.”

Bondi’s nomination comes as Trump seeks to overhaul the Justice Department and implement reforms aimed at addressing violent crime and drug trafficking.

Bondi’s nomination follows the withdrawal of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) earlier in the day. Gaetz, who had been Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, stepped aside after facing criticism and concerns related to a House Ethics Committee investigation.

Trump nominates Pam Bondi for Attorney General pic.twitter.com/jQwVFyLBhH

— Karli Bonne’ (@KarluskaP) November 21, 2024

In his statement withdrawing from consideration, Gaetz wrote, “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”

I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024

Gaetz wished Trump and Bondi well, stating, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”

Bondi’s relationship with Trump dates back to his first term, when she was a member of the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. Her work on that commission earned praise for its focus on addressing the opioid epidemic and reducing overdose deaths.

As attorney general, Bondi is expected to continue her focus on public safety and law enforcement reform while implementing Trump’s vision of a DOJ that prioritizes combating violent crime and reducing drug-related deaths.

If confirmed by the Senate, she will succeed Merrick Garland, marking a significant shift in leadership and policy direction for the Department of Justice.

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