President-elect Donald Trump's spin on his nomination of Pam Bondi as attorney general is notably different from the way he presented the nominee she replaced. Trump portrayed former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration after just eight days when it became clear that his confirmation was highly unlikely, as a radical reformer who would "end Weaponized Government" and "restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department." Trump's announcement of Bondi's nomination, by contrast, emphasized her extensive experience as a prosecutor (an area where Gaetz was notably lacking) and her bona fides as a crime fighter.
The following day, the Trump transition team touted "wide acclaim" for Bondi, quoting Republican senators who were decidedly less enthusiastic about the Gaetz pick. A press release emailed on Wednesday highlights "bipartisan praise for Pam Bondi," quoting a Fox News story that describes her "commitment to solving problems and working across the aisle on top priorities."
