It’s like he’s worried about something.
Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, delivered a powerhouse performance during her Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, standing toe-to-toe with California Senator Adam Schiff and deflecting his attempts to corner her with sharp, no-nonsense responses that left little doubt about her confidence and resolve.
Schiff, known for his pointed questioning and political theater, came into the hearing armed with loaded questions about Bondi’s independence and her willingness to prosecute—or not prosecute—figures like Special Counsel Jack Smith or former Representative Liz Cheney. However, Bondi was prepared, and her responses showcased her ability to sidestep political traps while reasserting her commitment to professionalism and justice.
When Schiff asked whether she would investigate Jack Smith, pointing to President Trump’s statements calling for Smith to “go to jail,” Bondi delivered a measured but cutting response. “It would be irresponsible of me to make a commitment regarding anything… without looking at a file,” she stated. Schiff pressed further, asking if she’d require “a factual predicate” for such an investigation. Bondi’s reply was swift: “Not a summary by you sitting here,” a pointed jab that underscored her unwillingness to let Schiff steer the narrative unchallenged.
Bondi then pivoted to a broader critique of the politicization of the Department of Justice, citing public dissatisfaction. “72% of Americans have lost faith in the Department of Justice because of statements like this,” she noted, calling attention to the public’s perception of a department embroiled in partisanship.
The back-and-forth only escalated when Schiff repeatedly asked about prosecuting Liz Cheney, prompting Bondi to turn the tables. “We’re all so worried about Liz Cheney, senator?” she retorted. “You know what we should be worried about? The crime rate in California right now is through the roof. Your robberies are 87% higher than the national average. That’s what I wanted to focus on… if I’m confirmed as attorney general.”
Schiff’s
attempts to force Bondi into politically charged answers continued, with questions about her willingness to challenge Trump on issues like the 2020 election results. Bondi, however, refused to take the bait. “Senator, what I can tell you is that I will never play politics,” she responded, before delivering a pointed critique of Schiff’s own history. “You’re trying to engage me in a ‘gotcha.’ I won’t play politics with any ongoing investigation like you did leaking your colleague Devin Nunes’ memo.”
In one of the most heated exchanges, Schiff suggested Bondi couldn’t possibly review all potential pardons Trump might issue on his first day in office. Bondi calmly countered, “I will look at every file I am asked to look at.” When Schiff sarcastically shot back, “Of course you won’t,” Bondi refused to let it slide. “I would have plenty of staff,” she snapped. “You said, ‘Of course you won’t.’ I’m not going to mislead this body nor you. … You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments just like this that are so reckless.”
Bondi also had the final word on Schiff’s concerns about preserving evidence from the January 6 investigation. Schiff asked if she would commit to ensuring none of the evidence would be destroyed under her watch. Bondi’s rebuttal was as scathing as it was direct: “Are you frightened because evidence was destroyed against President Trump that was false? Is that why you’re frightened now?”
