MSNBC guest in a flummox over Trump’s attorney general pick Pam Bondi: ‘She’s actually competent!’
An MSNBC guest expressed panic over Donald Trump’s choice of attorney general, Sam Bondi, because she is “competent.”
Liberal commentator Jason Johnson made the comments during an appearance on the network on Thursday, shortly after Bondi was announced as Trump’s AG pick after Matt Gaet’z withdrew from the nomination process.
“Pam Bondi is exactly what we should all fear, because she is competent,” Johnson explained.
‘Pam Bondi knows what she’s doing. She knows what she’s doing when it comes to immigration. Remember, Florida is one of those states that has been very aggressive about migrants and deportations and moving people to other states…
“She’s a dangerous and effective choice, and that’s honestly worse than what we would have gotten with Matt Gaetz — even with the deplorable moral background he has.”
Trump moved quickly to find a new candidate for attorney general, announcing on Thursday former Florida AG Pam Bondi as his choice to lead the nation’s justice system.
Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration earlier in the day when it became clear that an ongoing scandal left him without the votes to be confirmed to the Senate.
“Pam served as a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she took tough action against violent criminals and made the streets safe for Florida families,” Trump wrote on Truth Social when he made the announcement.
MSNBC guest Jason Johnson, center, expressed panic about Donald Trump’s attorney general pick, Sam Bondi, because she is “competent.” Host Ari Melber is pictured at left
Donald Trump moved quickly to find a new nominee for attorney general on Thursday, announcing former Florida AG Pam Bondi as his choice to lead the country’s justice system
“Subsequently, as Florida’s first female attorney general, she worked to stop the deadly drug trade and reduce the tragedy of fentanyl overdose deaths that have devastated many families across our country.”
Trump has made it clear that he wants a disruptor in his role, someone who will overhaul the Justice Department and help push his agenda from day one.
That should have been Gaetz, a combative congressman from Florida. But he withdrew after eight turbulent days in the spotlight.
He had been investigated by the Justice Department, which left him with a shocking choice to lead it. And a drip, drip, drip of headlines about a sex scandal showed no signs of letting up.
“While momentum has been strong, it is clear that my nomination unfairly became a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” he said in announcing his withdrawal, a day after meeting with senators in a attempt to win them over. .
Gaetz’s hasty withdrawal and quick move to Bondi were the latest examples of Trump’s tumultuous decision-making as he moves forward at a breakneck pace with nominations – some of questionable character and credentials – without government vetting, which is typical for presidential transitions.
It’s a sign that, despite waging his most organized campaign for the White House this year, his return to the Oval Office could feature the same kind of drama that permeated his first term.
Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration earlier in the day when it became clear that an ongoing scandal left him without the votes to be confirmed to the Senate.
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) watches as Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a meeting with state and local officials on school safety in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on February 22, 2018 in Washington, DC
Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that the transition team had backups in mind for its controversial nominees should they fail to be confirmed.
Yet even in Trump’s world, things moved quickly. Trump tried to take advantage of his decisive election victory to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz. The decision could increase scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies.
Trump said in a social media post: “I greatly appreciate Matt Gaetz’s recent efforts in gaining approval to become Attorney General.
‘He did a very good job, but at the same time he didn’t want to be a distraction for the government, for which he has a lot of respect. Matt has a bright future and I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do!”