WATCH: Pam Bondi Confronts Adam Schiff During Hearing, Highlights His Prior Censure
What began as a routine confirmation hearing quickly evolved into a heated exchange when Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi confronted Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), highlighting his prior censure by Congress. The former Florida Attorney General faced rigorous questioning from Schiff regarding her perspectives on hypothetical cases and her approach to presidential pardons, leading to a charged interaction.
Schiff initiated his challenge early in the session, asking, “Will your advice to the President be: ‘No, Mr. President. I need to evaluate them individually. Do not issue blanket pardons’?” Bondi responded firmly, stating, “Senator, I have not reviewed any of those files. If confirmed, I will evaluate the files related to the pardons as well as the ongoing investigations.”
The dialogue became more intense as Schiff probed Bondi’s ability to manage the extensive workload. “Will you be able to review hundreds of cases on your first day?” he inquired. Bondi replied, “I will scrutinize every file assigned to me. I will not mislead this committee, nor you.” The tension peaked when Bondi referenced Schiff’s previous censure by Congress, declaring, “You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments like this that are so reckless!” This pointed remark clearly had an impact on Schiff.
The confrontation intensified as Schiff shifted focus to allegations involving former Representative Liz Cheney. Cheney faces accusations of witness tampering related to her involvement with the January 6 Committee. A Republican-led subcommittee has asserted that she engaged in covert communications with witness Cassidy Hutchinson via encrypted applications, bypassing her legal counsel. The panel has proposed an FBI investigation, although Cheney denies the allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated attempts to protect Donald Trump. The FBI has not yet confirmed whether it will pursue an investigation into the matter.
Schiff pressed Bondi further, asking, “Are you aware of any factual basis for investigating Liz Cheney?” Bondi responded, “Senator, no one has requested that I investigate Liz Cheney. That is merely a hypothetical.” She then shifted the discussion to the crime rate in California, asserting, “The crime rate in California is alarmingly high. Robberies are 87% above the national average. That is where I intend to concentrate my efforts if confirmed as Attorney General.”
Bondi’s assertive responses and her capacity to withstand Schiff’s probing inquiries received praise from the Republican senators in attendance. The hearing highlighted Bondi’s combative nature and her willingness to directly challenge Democratic critics—qualities that her supporters contend are vital for the role of Attorney General.
