EXCLUSIVE: Major Sheriff Orgs Rally Behind Pam Bondi Ahead Of Confirmation

Two major sheriff organizations are throwing their support behind former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi ahead of her confirmation hearing for the AG position, the Daily Caller learned first.

In a letter dated Jan. 13 and addressed to Republican Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley and Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the National Sheriffs Association, which represents 3,081 elected sheriffs, argued that Bondi would be a welcomed change among the law enforcement community and bring a “proactive approach in prosecuting federal crimes.” The Major County Sheriffs of America, which represents sheriffs across 30 states, wrote to Grassley, Durbin, Democratic New York Sen. Chuck Schumer and Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune, arguing that Bondi’s work to “combat the opioid crisis” and “leadership in fighting human trafficking” makes her the right candidate for the AG position. (RELATED: NBC’s Kristen Welker Hounded Trump Over A Dozen Times During Interview About Whether He Would Target His Opponents)

“If confirmed, Ms. Bondi has pledged to prioritize the needs of law enforcement by fostering a culture of collaboration and direct engagement,” the National Sheriffs Association wrote in its letter endorsing Bondi.

“Her recognition of the importance of local perspectives and her willingness to work alongside rank-and-file officers, as well as leadership, are essential to overcoming the pressing challenges we face. Her ability to restore trust and accountability within the Department of Justice will be instrumental in protecting our communities and upholding the principles of justice,” the letter continues.

The latest endorsements are apart of growing support among the law enforcement community for Bondi as attorney general. At the top of the month, the nation’s largest police organization, the Fraternal Order of Police, endorsed Bondi, the Hill reported. Several state attorneys general and former Department of Justice officials have also thrown their support behind Bondi.

“Law enforcement groups across America are endorsing Pam Bondi because she has been a champion for law and order throughout her career as a prosecutor and Florida’s Attorney General. If confirmed, she will support law enforcement officers and return the Department of Justice to its core mission of fighting crime and keeping Americans safe,” Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Gates McGavick told the Caller of the latest round of endorsements.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General Pam Bondi meets with incoming Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) in his office at the Hart Senate Office Building on December 02, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

With support rallying behind her, Bondi is set to appear for two confirmation hearings, one on Jan. 15 and the other on Jan. 16.

“As Florida’s Attorney General for two terms, she earned a reputation as one of the most effective state
attorneys general in the country. Her steadfast dedication to upholding the law, safeguarding citizens, and advancing
justice is reflected in numerous impactful public safety initiatives,” the Major County Sheriffs letter reads.

Bondi is Trump’s second pick for attorney general, replacing former Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from the running amid the release of a House ethics report on him. NBC host Kristen Welker asked Trump in December if he would direct Bondi to investigate special counsel Jack Smith.

“Pam Bondi talks about investigating the investigators. Do you want to see Jack Smith investigated?” Welker asked, with Trump responding, “I want her to do whatever she has to do.”

“Are you going to direct her to investigate Jack Smith?” Welker asked, with Trump responding, “No, I’m not.”