Post by : Rameen Ariff

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from Democrats at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, with Republicans supporting her leadership of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Democrats criticized Bondi for allegedly politicizing the DOJ, while she defended her tenure, pledging to restore the department’s focus on core law enforcement duties. Speaking before the committee, Bondi said she aimed to end the "weaponization of justice" and refocus efforts on fighting violent crime. She highlighted increased federal activity in cities such as Washington, DC, and Memphis, Tennessee as evidence of the department returning to its main mission.

Bondi also justified the use of National Guard troops in cities like Chicago and Portland, citing local government failures to ensure public safety. She blamed Democrats for challenges in law enforcement readiness, tying it to the ongoing government shutdown.

A major point of contention during the hearing was Bondi’s handling of the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, who faces charges of false statements and obstruction of Congress. Democrats questioned whether her decisions were politically motivated. Bondi declined to discuss private White House conversations, citing “personnel matters.”

The hearing also covered the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Bondi refusing to explain the reversal on releasing certain documents, while accusing Democratic senators of accepting donations from Epstein affiliates. Democrats also pressed her on allegations involving Trump’s former border czar, Tom Homan, concerning $50,000 in cash from undercover agents. Bondi stated the decision to drop the inquiry occurred before her tenure.

Senator Dick Durbin criticized Bondi, claiming she transformed the DOJ into a political tool and left “an enormous stain on American history.” He said recovering from her leadership decisions would take decades. Under Bondi, several career prosecutors and civil rights division staff have resigned or been reassigned, particularly those involved in investigations related to former President Trump or the January 6 Capitol attack.

Nearly 300 former DOJ employees released a letter before the hearing, urging the administration to return to institutional norms and preserve longstanding work.

Republicans, including Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, defended Bondi, arguing that the previous Biden administration had politicized the DOJ and that Bondi had successfully reset the department’s priorities to ensure a renewed focus on law enforcement.

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