After Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General after failing to secure enough support from the Senate, Trump named Pam Bondi as his pick to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz faced scrutiny for sex trafficking allegations.
Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, was one of Trump’s lawyers during his first impeachment trial. She has been a supporter of the former president.
In a statement on social media, Trump said, “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime and Making America Safe Again.”
On Saturday, Trump made his most recent appointments to his administration. He chose Sheriff Chad Chronister of Florida to serve as the administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Chronister has previously worked with Pam Bondi.
President-elect Trump also picked Kash Patel to serve as FBI Director. In a statement on social media, Trump said that Patel “played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.” Patel formerly served as a Justice Department prosecutor, and then moved to staff the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Trump will rely on the Senate to push his appointments through the confirmation process upon his return to office.