President-elect Trump announces Pam Bondi as his new pick for US attorney general

President-elect Trump announced Thursday evening that he's nominating former attorney general of Florida Pam Bondi as the next attorney general of the United States.

Trump's latest Cabinet pick replaces Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and nominee for attorney general, who on Thursday withdrew as Trump's pick for the top prosecutor after the "distraction" his nomination had caused due to a swirl of allegations about paying underage women for sex. 

"Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families," Trump wrote in his announcement. "Then, as Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country. She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term — We saved many lives!

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"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," he continued. "I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!"

Shortly after the announcement, Gaetz posted on X that Bondi is "a stellar selection" for attorney general by Trump.

"Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house," Gaetz posted. "She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ."