Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) has recently voiced strong disapproval of President-elect Trump’s selection of former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to head the Justice Department, calling her a “massive election denier” and a “Trump apologist.”
During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead,” Wasserman Schultz remarked, “Pam Bondi served as the attorney general of Florida for eight years, so she does have the experience, but she carries the weight of being a staunch election denier.” She further criticized Bondi, stating, “She’s clearly a Trump apologist, a Trump lackey, which is exactly what he wants in an Attorney General.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal sparks debate over Bondi’s suitability as Attorney General pick
These comments followed the withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) from consideration for the position, a decision made after scrutiny over his alleged sexual misconduct and drug use, along with ongoing battles over whether a House Ethics Committee report should be made public.
Despite her critique, Wasserman Schultz conceded that Bondi may be a better choice for Attorney General than Gaetz. She acknowledged, “She did some good things for consumer protection and initiated lawsuits that brought resources back to people wronged in Florida,” adding, “It’s certainly a better option than Matt Gaetz.”
Gaetz, who won reelection earlier this month, announced that he did not plan to return to Congress. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has scheduled a special election for his vacated seat on January 28, 2025.
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House for the upcoming term, Wasserman Schultz was asked whether Gaetz’s resignation could benefit Democrats. She suggested that Democrats still hold significant leverage, stating, “For the last two years, with the Republican majority, we couldn’t pass anything without Democratic votes. That dynamic is likely to continue into the next Congress.”
“We still have quite a bit of leverage,” she added, “which is why I keep saying this was not a Republican red wave. Trump won by one of the smallest margins, and Democrats will have substantial influence on what legislation passes.”
