During the confirmation hearing for U.S. Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, tensions arose as she clashed with senior Democratic senators over President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., questioned Patel's past comments, including suggestions of closing down FBI headquarters and maintaining an 'enemies list.' Blumenthal pressed Bondi on whether these remarks were appropriate for an FBI director.
Bondi, in response, stated that she was not familiar with all of Patel's comments and had not discussed them with him. She highlighted Patel's background as a career prosecutor and public defender, emphasizing his experience within the intelligence community.
Asserting that if confirmed, Patel would follow the law, Bondi defended his qualifications for the role. Blumenthal urged Bondi to disavow Patel's comments and request him to recant them before the committee, citing concerns about their impact on fair enforcement and the rule of law.
Another Democratic senator, Sheldon Whitehouse, raised questions about Patel's alleged 'enemies list,' referencing individuals labeled as part of the 'deep state' in Patel's book. Bondi stood by Patel, assuring that there would be no such list at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The exchange underscored the contentious nature of Bondi's confirmation hearing, with Democratic senators scrutinizing Patel's past statements and associations. Bondi's defense of Patel's credentials and commitment to upholding the law reflected her support for his potential role within the FBI.
As the confirmation process continues, Bondi's responses to the senators' inquiries provide insight into her stance on Patel's controversial remarks and the principles she aims to uphold if appointed as the U.S. Attorney General.
