Trump Urges DOJ Chief Pam Bondi, a Loyalist, to Push for Gates' Resignation (Summary)

Florida's First Female Attorney General
"Trump Informed Gates Senate Confirmation Uncertain"

President-elect Donald Trump has newly nominated Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida, to the vacant position of the next Attorney General. She is regarded as a loyal hardline conservative, a native of Florida, and a Fox News contributor?an individual who embodies the key themes of Trump’s second-term cabinet appointments. It is reported that former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who resigned amid a 'sexual misconduct' controversy, was effectively pressured to step down by Trump himself.

On the 21st (local time), Trump announced, "I am proud to announce Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida, as the next Attorney General," adding, "Pam has served as a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, cracking down on violent criminals and working to create safe streets for Florida families."

He emphasized, "Pam was Florida’s first female Attorney General and has worked to stop deadly drug trafficking and end the tragedy of fentanyl overdoses that have destroyed many families across the United States," and added, "Pam is a smart and tough Attorney General who will do a great job as a champion of 'America First'."

AFP Yonhap News

Bondi, a Florida native, is a 'loyalist' who served on Trump’s legal defense team during his impeachment trial in 2020. She publicly supported Trump in the 2016 presidential election and has a history of participating in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Obamacare. While serving as state Attorney General in 2018, she appeared as a co-host and guest on Fox News programs favored by Trump. Ahead of this year’s presidential election, she served as chair of the Litigation Center at the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute (AFPI). This role has been interpreted as preparation for potential 'fraudulent election' lawsuits in the event of Trump’s defeat.

Previously, former Congressman Gaetz, who had been selected as the next Attorney General, became the first casualty after Trump’s election victory due to controversies involving underage prostitution and drug abuse. CNN reported, citing sources, that "Trump called Gaetz this morning and told him he did not have enough votes for Senate confirmation." Although Trump did not directly demand Gaetz’s resignation, sources say that based on Trump’s direct phone conversations with senators and the lack of signs of improving internal opinion, Gaetz was encouraged to decide to resign voluntarily.

On the same day, Gaetz posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "It is clear that my confirmation is unfairly hindering the important task of the Trump-Vance administration transition," and added, "I look forward to continuing the fight to save our country in another capacity."

Immediately after Bondi’s nomination announcement, Gaetz also posted on X, saying, "Pam Bondi and I worked closely while serving as Florida Attorneys General. She is a proven litigation expert, an inspiring leader, and an advocate for all Americans," emphasizing, "She will bring the necessary reforms to the Department of Justice."

AFP Yonhap News

Trump accepted Gaetz’s resignation on Truth Social, stating, "Gaetz was doing very well, but at the same time, he did not want to be a hindrance to the administration." This is interpreted as a way to preserve the candidate’s honor by encouraging voluntary resignation rather than withdrawing the nomination when Gaetz’s Senate confirmation faced difficulties.

CNN reported that former Congressman Gaetz is the 12th cabinet nominee in the past 30 years to voluntarily step down after being nominated. During the presidencies of Bill Clinton (1993?2001) and George W. Bush (2001?2009), two nominees each voluntarily withdrew; during Barack Obama’s presidency (2009?2017), three resigned voluntarily. During Trump’s first term (2017?2021), four nominees stepped down voluntarily. In contrast, President Joe Biden has had no cabinet nominees who voluntarily withdrew.