U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, during a confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Senator Hirono expressed concerns about Ms. Bondi’s ability to maintain the Department of Justice’s independence from political influence.
Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of loyalty to the Constitution over the President and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. She also asked Ms. Bondi if she believed Joseph Biden won the 2020 presidential election, a question Ms. Bondi avoided answering directly.
During the exchange, Senator Hirono cited statements made by President-elect Trump regarding undocumented immigrants and those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Ms. Bondi neither agreed with nor condemned these remarks.
Senator Hirono also addressed whether Ms. Bondi would comply if asked by President-elect Trump to investigate his political adversaries such as Jack Smith, Liz Cheney, or Merrick Garland. Ms. Bondi did not explicitly deny or confirm any intention to do so.
Throughout the hearing, Senator Hirono reiterated her concerns about ensuring an independent Department of Justice under the new administration.
