President Trump on Thursday announced the nomination of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General.

The announcement follows Matt Gaetz withdrawing his name from consideration for the role.

BREAKING: Matt Gaetz Withdraws His Attorney General Nomination, Trump Responds

"Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families. Then, as Florida's first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country. She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term - We saved many lives!" Trump said.

"For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans - Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years - She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!" he added.

( @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump - Nov 21, 2024, 6:28 PM ET )

I am proud to announce former Attorney General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General of the United States. Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she… pic.twitter.com/e7PNJimdGS

— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) November 21, 2024

A closer look:

From the New York Post:

Gaetz, 42, was announced as Trump’s attorney general-designate Nov. 13, but withdrew earlier Thursday after failing to persuade a majority of Republican senators to support him.

The ex-congressman had been sweating the release of an ethics report into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, among other transgressions.

At least five GOP senators were a firm 'no' against Gaetz for the role.

REPORT: At Least Five Republican Senators A Firm NO Against Matt Gaetz For Attorney General

BREAKING: President Trump selects former Florida AG Pam Bondi for U.S. Attorney General pic.twitter.com/a3WtMK5MGY

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 21, 2024

The Hill reports:

Bondi served as attorney general of Florida from 2011 to 2019 under then-Gov. Rick Scott.

She is the chair of the Center for Litigation at the America First Policy Institute, a ring-wing think tank working with the Trump transition on the administration’s agenda. She is also a partner at Ballard Partners, which is the lobbying firm where Trump’s incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles worked.

Bondi was a senior adviser on Trump’s first impeachment defense team, a role she took a leave from Ballard Partners to take. She then rejoined the firm, which was founded by Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard, the former 2016 chairman of Trump Victory.

She steps in for Gaetz, who was named Trump’s pick for attorney general just a week ago and was immediately the president-elect’s most controversial Cabinet pick.