Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has expressed his concerns following a meeting with Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted issues regarding Bondi's past actions and statements.

Durbin stated, "In today’s meeting, I raised concerns with Ms. Bondi regarding her record—one in which she served as a personal attorney to President-elect Trump, was a leader in the effort to overturn the 2020 election, and has echoed the President-elect’s calls for prosecuting his political opponents." He also noted her opposition to civil rights issues such as reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

He emphasized the importance of an independent Justice Department: "The role of the Attorney General is to oversee an independent Justice Department that upholds the rule of law and is free of undue political influence." Durbin remains skeptical about Bondi's ability to prioritize her constitutional duties over loyalty to Trump.

Durbin called for thorough scrutiny of Bondi's qualifications: "The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on this nomination. We must review all the information necessary to fulfill this duty." He hopes further examination will shed light on Bondi's vision for the Department of Justice.

The statement underscores Durbin's call for an Attorney General committed to protecting fundamental rights and demonstrating independence from political pressures.