Trump's DOJ may benefit from Pam Bondi's steady leadership as AG nominee.

During her confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, pledged to lead a Justice Department that is free from political influence and mismanagement. She aimed to alleviate concerns that she might use the role to target Trump's political adversaries or weaponize the Department of Justice.

Bondi has met with nearly every member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for weeks, engaging in a bipartisan charm offensive to avoid any unexpected confrontations and secure a smooth confirmation process.

The former Florida AG's careful strategy appears to have paid off, with even Democrats on the panel praising him after their earlier one-on-one meetings in private.

Politico reported that Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., stated he had a good meeting with her after the hearing on Wednesday.

During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Bondi shared her early aspiration to become a prosecutor, which she said she achieved almost immediately after starting law school.

"Bondi, who interned at the State Attorney's office in Tampa, Florida, always aspired to become a prosecutor. Despite losing most of her four jury trials while in law school, she never wavered from her desire to pursue this career path."

"Bondi vowed to restore confidence and integrity to the Department of Justice and its components daily if confirmed."

She pledged to work closely with the Judiciary Committee, building on relationships established with Senate offices before Wednesday's hearing.

Trump's opponents quickly raised objections to Bondi's confirmation during the hearing, expressing their doubts about her ability to lead the Justice Department under a president-elect who is known for being impulsive and unwilling to follow the law. Several of them confronted her directly with the names of previous nominees who had failed to succeed in similar situations.

Her readiness to pursue political adversaries was questioned, and she was requested to validate the comments made by Kash Patel, Trump's FBI nominee.

During the five-hour hearing on Wednesday, Bondi remained calm and unperturbed, except for a brief 30-minute lunch break.

As Florida's top prosecutor, she emphasized her successful record in combating violent crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Additionally, she expressed her vision for the Justice Department, which involves leading a department that is free from political interference.

According to Planet Chronicle Digital, Bondi's former colleagues anticipate that she will employ the same strategy she utilized in Florida to combat drug trafficking, fentanyl use, and the cartels responsible for smuggling drugs across the border.

Whether the approach will prove successful, however, remains to be seen.

Sunshine State endorsements

An experienced and motivated prosecutor, Bondi has a proven track record of building consensus rather than burning bridges, as described by those who have worked with her throughout her decades-long career.

After winning the race for Florida attorney general, Attorney General Bondi contacted Democrat Dave Aronberg and asked him to be her drug czar, a role where they would collaborate to combat the state's opioid crisis.

In an interview, he acknowledged her as the "most responsible for eliminating pill mills in Florida," highlighting her efforts in passing statewide legislation and enforcing the "Statewide Prescription Drug Diversion and Abuse Road Map" to combat the opioid crisis.

The opioid crisis in the U.S. was centered in Florida, where there were numerous "pill mills," cash-only clinics, and no statewide prescribing laws that restricted the purchase of addictive medications.

Aronberg stated in an interview that when Bondi assumed office, opioids were responsible for the deaths of seven individuals daily. Additionally, there were more pain clinics in Florida than McDonald's locations, highlighting the severity of the issue. If Bondi is confirmed as the U.S. attorney general, she has made it clear that her primary focus will be on combating illegal drugs on a national level.

Florida attorney general Bondi's record was highlighted Wednesday, including consumer protection victories and economic relief secured for residents in the Sunshine State.

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Bondi's leadership in the National Mortgage Settlement resulted in $56 billion in compensation for victims. Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, her lawsuit against BP and other responsible companies resulted in a $2 billion settlement for economic relief.

The second day of Bondi's confirmation hearing will focus on testimony from individuals who have collaborated with her throughout her career.

National praise

Numerous former state attorneys general and over 100 former top Justice Department officials have endorsed the confirmation of Bondi by the Senate Judiciary Committee, commending her qualifications and dedication to upholding the law.

The letter from former Justice Department officials, signed by top officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations, as well as former U.S. attorneys general John Ashcroft, Jeff Sessions, Bill Barr, and Edwin Meese, stated that it is extremely rare for senior Justice Department officials, particularly Attorneys General, to possess such extensive experience in the daily work of ensuring public safety.

The letter commended the officials for their description of Bondi's "national recognition" for her efforts to combat human trafficking and violent crimes in the state.

In recent times, Bondi received the backing of 60 ex-state attorneys general, with both Democrats and Republicans praising her extensive prosecutorial experience, particularly as Florida's top prosecutor, which they believe makes her highly qualified for the position.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will reconvene on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. to hear from a panel of outside witnesses regarding Bondi's qualifications for attorney general.