The Left is digging in its heels. They are growing more rabid than ever.
Because a U.S. Senator just attacked Trump’s attorney general but instantly regretted it.
Attorney General-Designate Pam Bondi Defends FBI Director-Designate Kash Patel and Upholds Justice Department Integrity
At her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Attorney General-designate Pam Bondi firmly endorsed FBI Director-designate Kash Patel, rebutting allegations made by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse regarding an alleged “enemies list.” Bondi’s defense of Patel came in the context of a broader conversation about the integrity of the Department of Justice and the agency’s past actions.
Bondi, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the role of Attorney General, was questioned by Whitehouse, who asked her whether she would consider hiring someone with a so-called “enemies list.” The reference was to Patel, a former federal prosecutor and national security expert who Trump nominated to replace Christopher Wray as FBI Director in November 2020.
“Would you have hired someone into the attorney general’s office who you knew had an enemies list?” Whitehouse asked. In response, Bondi addressed the question head-on, stating that she believed Patel did not possess such a list. “Senator, to cut to the chase, you’re clearly talking about Kash Patel, I don’t believe he has an ‘enemies list,’” she explained. “He made a quote on TV, which I have not heard.”
Bondi went on to highlight Patel’s professional qualifications, noting his extensive experience in the legal field. “I know that Kash Patel has had sixty jury trials as a public defender, as a prosecutor. He has great experience in the intel department, Department of Defense. I have known Kash and I believe that Kash is the right person at this time for this job.”
Bondi emphasized that Patel’s background in both public defense and national security made him an ideal candidate to lead the FBI, despite the political controversies surrounding his past criticisms of the agency’s handling of investigations related to President Trump. “You’ll have the ability to question Mr. Patel,” Bondi added, signaling her confidence in his suitability for the position.
Trump’s nomination of Patel as FBI Director followed the withdrawal of Florida Representative Matt Gaetz’s name from consideration for the role. Patel, who is known for his vocal criticism of the FBI’s investigations into Trump, had his nomination officially announced on November 30, 2020.
Bondi, who served two terms as Florida’s Attorney General and has a 18-year career as a prosecutor, also had a significant role in Trump’s first impeachment trial, where she served as his defense attorney. During her confirmation hearing, she was pressed by Whitehouse on her stance regarding the so-called “investigate the investigators” vow, a pledge to hold accountable those within the Justice Department who were believed to have targeted Trump politically.
“We all take an oath, Senator, to uphold the law. None of us are above the law,” Bondi said in her defense, underscoring her commitment to fairness in the justice system. “Let me give you a really good example of a bad lawyer within the Justice Department, a guy named Clinesmith, who altered a FISA warrant, one of the most important things we can do in this country.” Bondi referred to former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who pled guilty to altering an email related to the surveillance of former Trump campaign advisor Carter Page in 2016. Clinesmith was sentenced to probation in January 2021 for his actions, which Bondi pointed to as an example of misconduct that would be addressed under her leadership.
Furthermore, Bondi responded to Whitehouse’s concerns about political motivations behind certain investigations, particularly those involving Trump. She reminded the committee of the politically charged investigations that had surrounded the president for years, particularly noting how Trump’s campaign and personal affairs were scrutinized from as early as 2016.
“Senator, I think that is the whole problem with the weaponization that we have seen the last four years and what’s been happening to Donald Trump,” Bondi remarked. “They targeted Donald Trump. They went after him, actually starting back in 2016. They targeted his campaign. They have watched countless investigations against him.”
With a 53-vote majority in the U.S. Senate chamber, it is likely that Pam Bondi will be confirmed to the position as U.S. attorney general without much of an issue when it comes time for Senators to give their final vote on her nomination. She would be the fifth female U.S. attorney general in American history.
The Federalist Wire will keep you updated on any Congressional proceedings for Trump’s appointments in his cabinet.
