What began as a routine confirmation hearing quickly escalated into a passionate exchange as Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi sparred with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), calling out his prior censure by Congress in the process.
Schiff asked Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, about hypothetical cases and her approach to pardons, a line of questioning that grew increasingly tense. At the center of the clash was Schiff’s line of questioning regarding potential investigations and the handling of presidential pardons.
“Will it be your advice to the President: ‘No, Mr. President. I need to go over them on a case-by-case basis.
Do not issue blanket pardons.’ Will that be your advice to the President?” Schiff pressed early in the hearing. Bondi replied, “Senator, I have not looked at any of those files. If confirmed, I will look at the files for the pardons as well as the ongoing investigation.”
Schiff pushed further, questioning Bondi’s ability to handle the workload. “And will you be able to review hundreds of cases on day one?” he asked.
“I will look at every file I am asked to look at,” Bondi responded before adding pointedly, “I’m not going to mislead this body, nor you.” The exchange took a personal turn when Bondi referenced Schiff’s censure by Congress. “You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments just like this that are so reckless!” she said, striking a nerve.
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The tension only heightened as Schiff shifted focus to the investigation involving Liz Cheney. Former Rep. Cheney faces allegations of witness tampering tied to her work on the January 6 Committee. A GOP-led subcommittee claimed she secretly communicated with witness Cassidy Hutchinson via encrypted apps, bypassing her attorney. The panel has urged the FBI to investigate potential legal violations. Cheney denies the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated to protect Donald Trump. The FBI has not confirmed if it will act on the recommendations.
Schiff asked, “I’m asking you, sitting here today, whether you are aware of a factual predicate to investigate Liz Cheney.” Before pivoting to criticize California’s crime rate, Bondi replied, “Senator, no one has asked me to investigate Liz Cheney. That is a hypothetical. The crime rate in California right now is through the roof. Your robberies are 87% higher than the national average. That’s what I want to be focused on, Senator, if I’m confirmed as Attorney General.” Her firm responses and refusal to be cornered by Schiff’s questioning played well with Republican senators in attendance. The hearing showcased Bondi’s combative style and willingness to confront Democratic critics head-on, a quality her supporters argue is necessary for the nation’s top law enforcement role.
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