During a recent interview, Democratic Sen. Chris Coons expressed his top concern regarding President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi. Coons emphasized the importance of Bondi's willingness to refuse any orders that she deems unethical or illegal.
Coons highlighted the significance of Bondi's commitment to upholding ethical standards and the rule of law, especially when faced with potentially controversial directives from the President. He stressed the need for clarity on how Bondi would handle such situations and what actions she would take.
Prior to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Coons disclosed that he had a productive meeting with Bondi, where they discussed her stance on criminal justice reform. Coons acknowledged Bondi's positive track record in this area and expressed his hope for future collaboration.
One of Coons' key concerns is whether Bondi would prosecute members of the January 6 Committee and others if confirmed as attorney general. He indicated that this issue is likely to be a focal point during the confirmation process.
Coons underscored the importance of an attorney general's independence and commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving the American people. He referenced former Attorney General Bill Barr's decision to defy certain orders from President Trump, citing it as an example of the kind of principled stance he expects from Bondi.
Coons emphasized that the confirmation hearing serves as an opportunity to pose relevant and probing questions to Bondi, allowing her to demonstrate her qualifications and commitment to the principles of justice and integrity.
