U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has voted against the nomination of Pam Bondi for Attorney General, citing concerns about her independence from President Trump. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Hirono expressed doubts regarding Bondi’s ability to lead the Department of Justice without political bias.
During her speech on the Senate floor, Hirono emphasized the importance of independence for the Attorney General. She stated, “Independence is critically important for the Attorney General, our nation’s highest law enforcement officer.” Hirono highlighted that Bondi’s past record and statements during her confirmation hearing suggested a lack of requisite independence.
Hirono questioned Bondi during last month’s confirmation hearing on her commitment to prioritizing loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to President Trump. The senator noted that Bondi repeatedly refused to acknowledge Joseph Biden as the winner of the 2020 election and did not clearly state whether she would comply with potential requests from Trump to investigate his perceived political enemies.
Hirono argued that any president needs an attorney general who will uphold legal standards and challenge unlawful actions by the president if necessary. She asserted, “The American public deserves an Attorney General who will put the law first and refuse an illegal order from the President.”
In conclusion, Hirono remarked that Bondi would likely be another “yes woman,” doing whatever Trump asks. She urged her colleagues in the Senate to vote against Bondi’s nomination.
