Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, delivered a masterclass in composure and common sense during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Democrats, true to form, wasted no time trying to smear Bondi as a partisan enforcer. But instead of landing punches, they ended up swinging at air while Bondi dismantled their talking points with precision.
Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island led the charge, suggesting Bondi might weaponize the DOJ with an “enemies list.” Bondi’s response was both direct and devastating: “Senator, to cut to the chase, you’re clearly talking about Kash Patel,” she said, referring to Trump’s nominee to head the FBI. “I don’t believe he has an enemies list. He made a quote on TV, which I have not heard.” Bondi then added, “There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice.” And just like that, Whitehouse’s narrative crumbled.
Bondi vows 'there will never be an enemies list' within the Justice Department https://t.co/RTxgLvfy8y
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) January 15, 2025
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois didn’t fare much better. He tried to paint Bondi as a threat to democracy, asking if she believed January 6 rioters convicted of violence should be pardoned. Bondi calmly explained that pardons fall under the president’s purview but assured the committee that she would review each case individually if asked to advise. “Let me be very clear to you: I condemn any violence against a law enforcement officer in this country,” she said, leaving Durbin with little room to continue his grandstanding.
Durbin also attempted the tired tactic of branding Bondi as an election denier. Bondi shut that down quickly, saying, “President Biden is the president of the United States; he was duly sworn in. I accept the results, I accept, of course, that Joe Biden is president of the United States.” Even Durbin’s best efforts couldn’t stick.
While Democrats flailed, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley focused on the real issue: the political weaponization of the DOJ under Biden’s watch. “The impact of this political infection in our once-storied law enforcement institutions is catastrophic,” Grassley said. “The actions you take to change the department’s course must be for accountability, so that the conduct I just described never happens again.” Grassley’s call for transparency and reform was a stark contrast to the Democrats’ circus act.
Bondi’s performance was a breath of fresh air in an era of political witch hunts and partisan theatrics. Democrats spent years weaponizing the DOJ to go after Trump and his supporters, and now they’re terrified of the accountability Bondi represents. With Trump’s leadership and Bondi’s no-nonsense approach, there’s hope the DOJ can finally be restored to its original mission: upholding the rule of law without fear or favor. Democrats can keep their theatrics; America is ready for results.
