At a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced tough questioning from Democrats as she defended herself against accusations of politicizing the Justice Department to benefit President Donald Trump and target his political adversaries. Bondi, appearing before the Senate judiciary committee for the first time since her confirmation, emphasized the department’s focus on combating real crime and commended local authorities for supporting the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., and Memphis.
However, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the committee’s top Democrat, criticized Bondi for dismissing career prosecutors and agents involved in investigations opposed by Trump, as well as reducing efforts to address corruption and white-collar crime. He accused Bondi of leaving a lasting negative impact on American history with her actions within just eight months of assuming office.
During the hearing, Bondi faced accusations of evasiveness from Durbin’s colleagues, particularly regarding discussions about prosecuting James Comey, the former FBI director. Comey, who oversaw the investigation into Russian contacts with Trump’s 2016 campaign, was recently indicted on charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress.
Bondi also faced questions about a social media post by Trump urging the attorney general to investigate political enemies, including Comey. She defended Trump’s actions, stating that his comments were consistent with his past rhetoric. Additionally, Bondi and some Senate Republicans highlighted concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department during the Biden administration.
Regarding the controversy surrounding Tom Homan and a reported bribery allegation, Bondi did not disclose details about the investigation but referred to statements made by FBI Director Kash Patel, who found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Bondi’s responses during the hearing drew criticism from some senators, including accusations of using far-right internet talking points.
The hearing also touched on deadly strikes on vessels in the Caribbean authorized by the Justice Department without congressional approval. Bondi defended the actions, citing the threat posed by Venezuelan drug cartels and labeling Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a “narco terrorist.”
Republicans on the panel expressed outrage over reports that the FBI had analyzed phone records of Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Bondi condemned the surveillance as a breach of public trust and damaging to the American people’s faith in law enforcement.
The hearing highlighted tensions between Democrats and Republicans over the handling of justice-related matters and investigations within the Justice Department under Bondi’s leadership.
