Bondi took questions from the committee last week regarding weaponization of government, immigration, and other issues.
A Senate panel voted on Jan. 29 to approve former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice, teeing up a vote before the full chamber.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12–10 to approve Bondi’s nomination. That vote came a week after Bondi appeared before the committee and fielded questions about a wide range of topics, including immigration and weaponization of the government.
The committee had been scheduled to vote on Bondi’s confirmation on Jan. 22, but Democrats delayed the vote.
Some of the questions focused on President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, saying he had a purported enemies list.
They seemed to be referring to a group of so-called deep state members that Patel listed in his book “Government Gangsters.”
His confirmation hearing has yet to take place, but it will likely include similar questions about weaponization.
House Democrats had expressed concern about the administration firing and reassigning prosecutors within the DOJ.
“The career professionals you summarily dismissed or transferred from components throughout the Justice Department … are part of an expert, non-political workforce tasked with protecting our national security and public safety,” a letter to Acting Attorney General James McHenry read.
On Jan. 27, McHenry fired multiple DOJ officials “who played a significant role in prosecuting President Trump,” according to a spokesperson for the DOJ.
“In light of their actions, the Acting Attorney General does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda,” the spokesperson said.
Trump has also chosen his attorneys to serve in key positions under Bondi in the DOJ.
In November 2024, he selected Todd Blanche to serve as deputy attorney general, D. John Sauer as the solicitor general, and Emil Bove as principal associate deputy attorney general.
Bove, Trump said, would serve in Blanche’s place while the latter awaits Senate confirmation.
Before the vote on Jan. 29, Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said multiple witnesses had vouched for Bondi. He also responded to various concerns about Bondi, including the idea that she was an election denier.
By Sam Dorman
