President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time in naming a replacement for U.S. Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination Thursday. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida and longtime Trump ally, for the role just hours after Gaetz stepped aside amid continued fallout from a federal sex trafficking investigation.
Bondi, who made history as Florida’s first female attorney general, has been a loyal supporter of Trump. She notably served as one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial and currently chairs the America First Policy Institute, a think tank created by former Trump administration staffers. Bondi’s extensive legal background includes more than 18 years as a prosecutor in Tampa.
The move comes after Gaetz abruptly withdrew his nomination, citing concerns that his confirmation process had become a distraction for Trump’s transition efforts. Gaetz’s nomination faced mounting opposition from Senate Republicans due to allegations that he was involved in a sex trafficking investigation—a case that concluded last year with no charges filed.
“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle,” Gaetz said in his statement. “Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”
Trump praised Gaetz in a social media post, writing, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Bondi’s nomination marks a return to a more experienced legal candidate after Gaetz’s controversial selection drew criticism for his limited legal background and allegations against him. Senate Republicans expressed mixed reactions to Gaetz’s withdrawal, with some praising his decision to step aside, while others lamented the loss of a nominee they felt could have overhauled the Department of Justice.
