Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General and a staunch ally of Donald Trump, has been picked for the role of U.S. Attorney General in a potential Trump administration now that Matt Gaetz has bowed out.
While Bondi's track record as a prosecutor and political past explains why she is Trump's new pick as the leading lawyer of the Federal Government, controversies from her past have resurfaced with the news, including a delay she requested for a Florida execution and her controversial ties to the Church of Scientology.
The Execution Delay Controversy
In September 2013, Bondi faced public backlash after her office requested a delay of the execution of Marshall Lee Gore, a convicted murderer. Gore, who had been sentenced to death for the brutal killings of two women in the 1980s, was initially scheduled to be executed on September 10, 2013. However, Bondi's office asked then-Governor Rick Scott to delay the execution by three weeks, citing a scheduling conflict—a political fundraising event.
The fundraiser, hosted at the home of a prominent Republican donor, prompted widespread criticism, with many accusing Bondi of placing political ambition over her responsibilities as Attorney General. Bondi later apologized for the request, calling it a mistake and stating that it was "not the right thing to do."
Despite her apology, the incident has remained a controversial footnote in her political career.
Bondi's Connections to Scientology
Another point of contention in Bondi's career has been her relationship with the Church of Scientology. During her tenure as Attorney General, Bondi attended several high-profile Scientology events in Clearwater, Florida, the church's spiritual headquarters. She also accepted campaign donations from prominent Scientologists.
She lies, she speaks at Scientology events, she takes payoffs to end investigations.....wherever there's a crackpot or criminal that'll pay her, you'll find Pam Bondi. pic.twitter.com/KxMm4gbTBA
— Steph4Blue 🍸🌈✌🏼🇺🇦 (@NOLADuchess) January 29, 2020
Critics have raised concerns about her close ties to the organization, which has faced allegations of abuse and misconduct. While Bondi has never publicly addressed these connections, attending church functions and accepting donations have fueled speculation about her alignment with the controversial group.
Leading the Charge Against Obamacare
Bondi's political career has also been defined by her efforts to challenge the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. In 2012, she played a leading role in a multistate lawsuit that sought to overturn the ACA. Bondi argued that the individual mandate, which required Americans to obtain health insurance or face a penalty, was unconstitutional. Although the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the mandate as a tax, Bondi's involvement in the case solidified her reputation as a staunch opponent of federal overreach.
Bondi continued her opposition to Obamacare throughout her time in office, aligning with conservative efforts to dismantle the legislation, including efforts to repeal the part that forbids insurance companies to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions.
Her vocal stance on the issue made her a favorite among Florida Republicans and helped cement her national profile as a champion of conservative values.
Political Implications
If confirmed as Attorney General, which analysts agree will happen after Gaetz's debacle, Bondi would bring her history of loyalty to Trump and advocacy for conservative causes to the national stage. However, her controversial record—marked by the execution delay, ties to Scientology, and high-profile legal battles—may reignite debates about her priorities and judgment.
Bondi's connections to Trump are well documented. In 2013, her office faced scrutiny for not pursuing an investigation into Trump University; around the same time, a political action committee associated with her received a $25,000 donation from the Trump Foundation. While Bondi denied any wrongdoing, the incident has continued to attract criticism.
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