Attorney General Pam Bondi came under heavy criticism on Tuesday as US senators accused her of turning the Justice Department into a political tool serving President Donald Trump’s interests. During a tense Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, lawmakers — especially Democrats — questioned Bondi’s independence and her handling of politically charged cases.
Senator Dick Durbin, the committee’s top Democrat, said the department had become “a shield for the president and his political allies when they engage in misconduct.” He added that what has happened since Bondi took office would “make even President Nixon recoil.” The accusations come after a series of high-profile prosecutions, including the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, who led the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Comey faces charges of allegedly lying to Congress — a case many analysts view as politically motivated.
The Justice Department has also launched investigations into Senator Adam Schiff, John Bolton, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, all vocal critics of Trump. Democrats argue these actions were prompted by Trump’s social media posts calling for Bondi to prosecute his opponents. Senator Chris Coons said he was “gravely concerned” that the department’s actions followed Trump’s public demands.
Bondi, however, defended her record, insisting that her administration was “restoring faith in the Justice Department” and reversing the “weaponization” that occurred under the previous government. She emphasized that her focus was on fighting real crime and making the department more effective. Republicans on the panel backed her, pointing to recent revelations that Special Counsel Jack Smith had secretly collected phone data from several GOP senators during investigations into Trump, calling it proof of prior political bias.
The hearing also touched on Bondi’s decision to close the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which drew bipartisan criticism. House Democrats — and some Republicans — are demanding that she release the full case file to ensure transparency. Despite the heated exchanges, Bondi stood firm, declaring that her department would continue its mission without fear or favor.
