During her confirmation hearing, President-elect Trump's attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, responded to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's questioning by bringing attention to what she described as political targeting of Trump during prior administrations. Whitehouse had posited that prosecutors should begin with a crime and then seek a suspect, not the other way around. Bondi countered by asserting that the federal government's investigations into Trump reversed this process, targeting the individual first and then searching for a crime. She emphasized that such actions represent the “weaponization” of the justice system, a trend she pledged to reverse if confirmed. Bondi vowed to avoid politicizing the office and to ensure impartial justice for all, regardless of political affiliation. She further illustrated her point by referencing the case of Kevin Clinesmith, a former FBI lawyer convicted of altering a FISA warrant application related to the Trump-Russia investigation. Bondi's remarks resonated with conservatives on social media, with many praising her response to Whitehouse's line of inquiry. Several commentators lauded Bondi for “flipping the script” and exposing what they perceive as biased investigations against Trump. While Bondi anticipates confirmation, it remains to be seen whether she will garner support from Democrats in the Senate.
