Matt Gaetz is barely out the door and Dump’s already found his next amoral AG pick

Donald Trump’s trend of appointing controversial figures to his cabinet continues with the nomination of Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz. Gaetz stepped down amid growing scrutiny over an ongoing investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct, and Trump wasted no time in filling the spot with Bondi, who has her own history of controversy.

Trump’s announcement of Bondi’s appointment came with a glowing endorsement, where he praised her as a tough, smart, and loyal supporter of his “America First” agenda. He emphasized that she would work to refocus the Department of Justice on fighting crime, claiming she would do a “terrific job” as Attorney General.

However, Bondi’s past is raising eyebrows. She was already known for her ties to Trump, notably when, in 2013, she dropped a fraud investigation into Trump University after receiving a $25,000 campaign donation from him. Critics, including activist group Call to Activism (CTA), are quick to point out this connection, accusing her of being one of the most corrupt state attorneys general in history. The group alleges that Bondi’s decision not to pursue the fraud case was influenced by the donation, though she has always denied this.

Bondi’s career is a mixed bag. She grew up in Tampa, Florida, and has a background in criminal justice. After passing the Florida Bar in the early 90s, she spent nearly 20 years as a prosecutor focused on violent crime. In 2010, she became the first female attorney general of Florida, with backing from prominent conservatives like Sarah Palin, and ran on promises to tackle drug abuse and human trafficking.

Her relationship with Trump began in 2016 when she publicly supported his presidential campaign, and she has remained a loyal ally ever since, defending him during various legal challenges and criticizing the justice system for allegedly targeting him unfairly.

Beyond her work as an attorney, Bondi has also been involved in lobbying and is a leading figure at the America First Policy Institute, a right-wing think tank. The institute advocates for policies such as curbing immigration, reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts, and defunding Planned Parenthood. Though the group denies officially representing any specific candidate, it has been described by some as a “shadow transition operation” closely tied to Trump.

In many ways, Bondi’s nomination fits into the pattern of Trump’s cabinet choices, which often seem more focused on loyalty to his ideals than on qualifications or neutrality. Critics argue that Trump’s cabinet is increasingly becoming an echo chamber, filled with people who will unquestioningly support his agenda and defend him against any legal or political challenges. The concern, of course, is that this environment, where loyalty is prioritized over accountability, could have serious consequences for the functioning of the government.