Senate Democrats challenged her leadership of the Justice Department, while Republicans offered their support.
Attorney General Faces Intense Senate Scrutiny
During a heated Senate Judiciary Committee session, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was questioned by Democrats over allegations of politicizing the Department of Justice (DOJ). Meanwhile, Republicans backed her commitment to refocusing on the department’s primary mission of law enforcement.
Defending DOJ’s New Direction
Appearing before the Republican-led committee for the first time since former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment, Bondi defended her leadership. She emphasized her goal to eliminate the “weaponization of justice” and prioritize tackling violent crime. She highlighted increased federal efforts in cities like Washington, DC, and Memphis, Tennessee.
National Guard Deployment and Public Safety
Bondi justified deploying National Guard troops to cities such as Chicago and Portland, criticizing local governments for failing to protect residents. She linked public safety challenges to the ongoing government shutdown, accusing Democrats of hindering law enforcement readiness.
Controversial Prosecution of James Comey
A significant point of contention was Bondi’s decision to prosecute Comey, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. Charged with false statements and obstruction of Congress, Comey is set to appear in court soon. Democrats questioned whether the charges were politically motivated, but Bondi refused to discuss private conversations with the White House, labeling them as “personnel matters.”
Epstein Files and Campaign Contributions
The hearing also touched on the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Bondi declining to explain her reversal on releasing documents. Instead, she accused Democratic senators of accepting donations from an affiliate of the late sex offender.
Allegations Against Trump’s Border Czar
Democrats inquired about allegations that Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, received $50,000 from undercover agents before the current administration. Bondi stated that the decision to drop the investigation occurred before her tenure and did not confirm if the funds were recovered.
Democratic Criticism and Republican Support
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the leading Democrat on the panel, accused Bondi of transforming the DOJ into a tool for the president and his allies. He claimed her leadership had left a lasting negative impact on the department’s history, suggesting it would take years to recover.
Under Bondi, significant departures occurred in key divisions like civil rights, and career prosecutors involved in investigations related to Trump or the January 6 Capitol attack were reassigned.
A letter from nearly 300 former DOJ employees, released before the hearing, warned that the administration was undermining longstanding work and called for a return to traditional norms.
Republicans on the committee defended Bondi, arguing that the DOJ under the previous Biden administration had been the one truly politicized. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley praised Bondi for realigning priorities and emphasized the need for a new direction in law enforcement.
