President-elect Trump selects Pam Bondi as his nominee for U.S. Attorney General.

On Thursday evening, President-elect Trump announced his nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next U.S. Attorney General.

Bondi’s nomination comes after Matt Gaetz, a former Florida representative and Trump’s initial pick for the role, withdrew his candidacy earlier in the day. Gaetz stepped aside amidst controversy surrounding allegations of misconduct, citing the "distraction" his nomination had caused.

“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals and made the streets safe for Florida families,” Trump stated in his announcement. “As Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to combat the trafficking of deadly drugs and reduce the tragedy of fentanyl overdose deaths, which have devastated countless families. She performed so well that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first term — we saved many lives!"

Trump continued, “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans — not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ on its intended purpose: fighting crime and making America safe again. I’ve known Pam for many years; she’s smart, tough, and an AMERICA FIRST fighter who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!”

Following the announcement, Gaetz expressed support for Bondi on social media platform X, calling her a “stellar selection” for the position.

“Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General, and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house,” Gaetz wrote. “She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader, and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to the DOJ.”