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Trump taps Pam Bondi for U.S. Attorney General after Gaetz drops nomination

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, NC. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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AP
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, NC. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new pick for U.S. Attorney General. She was Trump’s second choice for the job.

Bondi was the first female Attorney General in Florida’s history, serving from 2011 to 2019. She also had almost two decades as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County. She was also one of Trump’s attorney’s during his first impeachment trial in 2020.

The President-elect announced his decision on Truth Social, where he called her an America First Fighter. Trump wrote she will refocus the Department of Justice, which he claims has been weaponized against me and other Republicans.”

His announcement came just hours after former panhandle U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz pulled his name from consideration for the role after being nominated by Trump. His nomination brought bi-partisan criticism, who cited concerns about his lack of experience as an attorney and allegations that he sex trafficked a minor.

Tristan Wood is a senior producer and host with WFSU Public Media. A South Florida native and University of Florida graduate, he focuses on state government in the Sunshine State and local panhandle political happenings.