Pam Bondi, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was confirmed as the new U.S. Attorney General by the Senate in a mostly party-line vote. Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and corporate lobbyist, is expected to lead a significant transformation of the Justice Department, which has been criticized by Trump for its handling of criminal cases against him. While Republicans view Bondi as a highly qualified leader who will restore the department’s focus on prosecuting crime and protecting Americans, Democrats have expressed concerns about her relationship with Trump and the potential for political influence in decision-making.

Bondi’s confirmation comes amidst tensions within the FBI and the Justice Department, with agents challenging efforts to identify employees involved in the Jan. 6 prosecutions, which they fear could lead to mass firings. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove’s directive to compile a list of FBI personnel involved in the cases has raised alarm among agents who see it as a move to target and remove those deemed disloyal to Trump.

Despite assurances from Bondi that she will not pursue politically motivated investigations, her statements during the confirmation hearing and close ties to Trump have raised skepticism among Democrats. Bondi’s nomination follows the withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Trump’s initial pick for Attorney General.

As Bondi takes on her new role, the Justice Department faces challenges in rebuilding trust and ensuring impartiality in its operations, particularly in the wake of heightened political tensions and ongoing scrutiny over its handling of cases involving Trump and his associates.