During a recent Senate oversight hearing, Attorney General Pamela Bondi faced intense scrutiny from Democratic senators regarding significant controversies within the Justice Department. The hearing, which took place on Tuesday, highlighted Bondi's close ties to President Donald Trump and her often combative interactions with the senators as they pressed her on vital issues affecting the department.
Throughout the lengthy Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Bondi consistently declined to address key questions. Issues raised included the dismissal of career Justice Department officials, the indictment of former FBI Director James B. Comey, and the legal justifications for military strikes targeting vessels in open waters. Additionally, there were inquiries regarding past allegations about the administration's border czar, who reportedly accepted $50,000 in cash during an FBI sting operation last year.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, confronted Bondi about a social media post from Trump demanding the prosecution of Comey and political opponents, including fellow panel member Adam B. Schiff. When asked if she had discussed Comey's indictment with Trump, Bondi firmly stated, “I am not going to discuss any conversations I have or have not had with the president of the United States.”
Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the leading Democrat on the committee, inquired whether Bondi had been consulted by the White House regarding the deployment of national guard troops to American cities. In response, Bondi quickly deflected, refusing to comment on internal White House discussions and instead criticized Durbin for his past votes, saying, “I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump.” Durbin expressed his frustration, remarking, “It’s a legitimate question. It’s my responsibility. She refuses to answer.”
In another notable exchange, Senator Chris Coons from Delaware pressed Bondi on the legality of military operations against vessels in the Caribbean Sea, emphasizing the potential risk to U.S. sailors involved in freedom of navigation operations. Bondi responded, “I am not going to discuss any legal advice that my department may or may not have given or issued at the direction of the president on this matter.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island raised concerns about a report alleging that border czar Tom Homan accepted $50,000 in cash during an FBI sting. Whitehouse sought clarification on whether the FBI recovered the money, but Bondi dismissed his inquiry, stating that authorities found no credible evidence of wrongdoing. When Whitehouse pressed further, Bondi suggested he consult directly with the FBI.
As the hearing progressed, Schiff took the opportunity to highlight the various topics Bondi had avoided, emphasizing that the session was intended to provide serious answers to pressing questions about governmental corruption and the prosecution of the president's adversaries. Bondi attempted to interrupt Schiff, insisting, “I think you owe the president an apology,” and labeling him as a “failed lawyer.”
Democratic senators have been vocal in their criticism of Bondi's leadership as attorney general, arguing that under her guidance, the Justice Department has been weaponized to serve as a tool for retribution against Trump's opponents, resulting in the departure of many skilled career officials. Conversely, Republican supporters assert that Bondi has refocused the department on tackling violent crime.
During the hearing, Republican senators attempted to shift the conversation away from Bondi's controversies, instead highlighting revelations regarding an investigation conducted by the office of Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles E. Grassley. This investigation reportedly involved the collection and analysis of call records from the personal cell phones of eight senators and one representative, forming the basis of a former special counsel’s case against Trump. Bondi characterized the investigation mentioned by Grassley as an “unconstitutional, undemocratic abuse of power,” stating, “This is the kind of conduct that shattered the American people’s faith in our government.”
