Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was sworn in as U.S. Attorney General on February 5, 2025, in a ceremony presided over by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the White House Oval Office. President Trump lauded Bondi, expressing confidence in her ability to restore impartiality to the Justice Department. He emphasized her fairness and predicted she would bring unbiased justice to the department.
Bondi's appointment comes at a turbulent time for law enforcement. Just prior to her swearing-in, two separate lawsuits were filed by FBI agent groups aiming to prevent the public disclosure of identities of agents involved in the January 6th investigations. These lawsuits arose after Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove requested information from thousands of agents regarding their involvement in the investigation. The agents expressed concerns that this action could lead to unlawful retaliation and violate civil service protections.
President Donald Trump speaks before Pam Bondi is sworn in as U.S. attorney general in the Oval Office of the White House by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, on Feb. 5, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Pam Bondi is sworn in as attorney general by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as her partner John Wakefield and mother Patsy Bondi look on in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 5, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
The requested information included details about agents' involvement in grand jury subpoenas, collaboration with other field offices, and their specific roles in the investigations. The plaintiffs argue that any attempt to scrutinize or penalize FBI employees involved in the January 6th investigations would be unlawful and retaliatory.
During her confirmation hearing, Bondi pledged to lead a Justice Department free from political influence. She assured lawmakers that partisanship and weaponization within the department would end under her leadership, promising a fair and equitable justice system for all. Despite these assurances, Bondi faces significant challenges, including navigating the ongoing legal battles and addressing concerns about potential political interference in the FBI's operations.
Pam Bondi, Trump's attorney general nominee, listens during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. (Jabin Botsford/Washington Post via Getty)
A senior FBI official attempted to alleviate anxieties within the bureau by assuring employees that those who acted ethically and followed orders during the January 6th investigations would not face termination or disciplinary actions. President Trump, however, declined to comment on the potential removal of FBI employees involved in the investigation, while criticizing the bureau as “corrupt.” He expressed faith in his nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, to rectify the situation.
Retired FBI agents and former Justice Department officials have voiced worries about the potential chilling effect these actions could have on the FBI's work across its various field offices, impacting their ability to address national security threats and combat crime. One retired agent, however, encouraged a calm approach, emphasizing that the acting director and deputy director remain in their positions and that the January 6th investigations were conducted in accordance with established guidelines.
