Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expressed his concerns on the Senate floor regarding President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, Pam Bondi. This statement comes ahead of Bondi's nomination hearing and follows a recent meeting between Durbin and Bondi.

Durbin emphasized the critical role of the Attorney General in American society: “The significance of the Attorney General cannot be overstated. The Department of Justice is responsible for safeguarding civil rights and liberties, promoting public safety, and ensuring economic opportunity and fairness. An independent Attorney General is essential. The Justice Department’s leader must be loyal to the Constitution above all else—including the President.”

He further warned about Trump's intentions with the Justice Department: “But during his first term, then-President Trump used the Department of Justice as his personal attorneys. He tried to thwart the Mueller investigation, protect political allies, and even overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has pledged that during his second term he will weaponize the Justice Department to seek revenge on his political enemies.”

Durbin raised concerns about Bondi's loyalty to Trump over American citizens: “The President-elect has made it clear that he values one thing above all else in an Attorney General: loyalty. I have no reason to believe President-elect Trump has changed his litmus test for Attorney General or his views on how the Justice Department should operate. In fact, I fear he found someone who can pass his loyalty test.”

He elaborated on Bondi’s record, stating: “The obvious concern with Ms. Bondi is whether she will follow the bipartisan tradition of the post-Watergate era and oversee an independent Department of Justice that upholds the rule of law. Ms. Bondi is one of four personal lawyers to President-elect Trump who he has already selected for Department of Justice positions. She was a leader in the effort to overturn the 2020 election. She has echoed the President[-elect]’s calls for prosecuting his political opponents, and she has a troubling history of unflinching loyalty to the President-elect. In addition, she has a record of hostility to fundamental civil rights, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ rights.”

Durbin concluded by outlining expectations for this week's hearing: “Every President has the right to nominate individuals to serve in key Cabinet positions. However, the Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on these nominations. This week’s hearing will provide an opportunity to learn more about her, her nomination, and her vision. The American people deserve an Attorney General who will protect their fundamental rights, demonstrate independence and integrity, and remain faithful to the Constitution, the country, and the rule of law.”

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