Trump Picks Pam Bondi For Attorney General After Matt Gaetz Withdraws
Nov 22, 2024
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Joining the conversation is Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general and newly nominated US attorney general. She discusses the whirlwind surrounding her swift appointment after Matt Gaetz withdrew due to serious accusations. The dialogue also touches on the political stakes of her nomination and the potential fallout from the controversies involving her predecessors. Additionally, local insights on immigration and border security from Arizona residents shed light on the real-world impact of policy changes in the new administration.
Matt Gaetz withdrew from the Attorney General nomination following sexual misconduct allegations, paving the way for Pam Bondi's confirmation.
Pam Bondi's selection highlights Trump's preference for loyal allies, despite concerns over her previous support for election denialism.
Deep dives
Matt Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Nomination
Matt Gaetz has officially withdrawn his nomination to become the next Attorney General, after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, including an accusation involving a minor. His decision came shortly after President-elect Trump was informed that Gaetz lacked sufficient Senate support to secure confirmation. Gaetz suggested that he was stepping back to avoid a 'needlessly protracted' conflict in Washington. This withdrawal opened the door for the nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is seen as a more confirmable choice within the Republican party.
Trump Appoints Pam Bondi Amid Controversy
Pam Bondi has been selected as the new Attorney General nominee following the collapse of Matt Gaetz's candidacy. Bondi, a loyal Trump ally with experience as the Florida Attorney General, previously defended Trump during his first impeachment trial and has aligned herself with the MAGA movement. Despite facing scrutiny, particularly about her past support for election denialism, she is considered a safer option for Senate confirmation than Gaetz. Her selection indicates Trump's ongoing commitment to surrounding himself with staunch allies, even amid allegations against his previous nominee.
Pete Hegseth's Controversial Defense Secretary Nomination
Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense has come under fire due to a police report detailing a sexual assault accusation against him from several years ago. The report outlines claims made by an unnamed woman, which Hegseth denies, asserting that the matter was fully investigated and he was cleared. Nevertheless, the emergence of these allegations has raised concerns among Republican senators who are now reconsidering their support for his confirmation. As the Senate gears up for confirmation hearings, Hegseth's past could significantly hinder his chances of approval.
New Developments in Russia's Military Actions
Recent reports indicate that Russia has deployed a new type of missile against Ukraine, escalating the ongoing conflict. This missile, described by President Putin as a hypersonic device, reportedly travels at speeds that current air defense systems cannot intercept. The Kremlin has framed this military action as a direct response to attacks from Western-supplied missiles, heightening tensions further. Western officials remain cautious in their response, recognizing the potential for this new technology to change the dynamics of the war significantly.
President-elect Donald Trump has announced former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as his new pick for the next US attorney general, after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for the position. Earlier today, CNN reached out to Gaetz regarding our new reporting that the House Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between him and the 17-year-old at the center of the accusations. Shortly after that Gaetz announced on X that he was stepping aside. Plus, David Culver talks to ranchers and residents in Arizona about their support for the more aggressive immigration stance the President-elect has promised.