Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, assured senators during her confirmation hearing that she would end the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) perceived targeting of Catholics and others for their faith or peaceful protests. Bondi’s statements were made in response to pointed questions about the current administration’s handling of religious liberty and justice-related matters.
During the hearing, Senator Mike Lee of Utah asked how Bondi would address the “weaponization” of the DOJ. This included concerns over the DOJ’s targeting of Catholics for practicing their faith, parents protesting at school board meetings, and individuals peacefully demonstrating outside abortion facilities.
“Going after parents at a school board meeting has got to stop,” Bondi said, adding, “so must the targeting of Americans for practicing your religion.” She also emphasized that “sending informants into Catholic churches must stop,” according to her remarks during the hearing.
Faith Under Fire
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri highlighted what he described as an “unprecedented attack and campaign against people of faith” during President Joe Biden’s administration. Hawley cited over 100 pregnancy care centers and 300 churches being attacked, vandalized, or firebombed during Biden’s term. Despite these alarming numbers, only two related crimes were prosecuted under Attorney General Merrick Garland, according to Hawley.
“We’ve never seen anything like it before in American history. It has been one of the most disgraceful chapters in American history,” Hawley remarked during the hearing. He further criticized a controversial FBI memo, issued from the Richmond, Virginia office, which targeted so-called “Radical Traditionalist Catholic Ideology” as a potential magnet for violent extremism.
The memo also reportedly expressed interest in recruiting Catholics to spy on fellow churchgoers attending the Traditional Latin Mass. When asked whether she would put an end to such practices, Bondi replied, “Of course,” adding, “I think what you’re talking about is the ultimate weaponization (of government),” according to the Catholic News Agency.
Bondi assured the committee she would personally investigate the memo and discuss its implications with Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to head the FBI.
A Proven Defender of Religious Freedom
Bondi has a long record of defending religious liberty. As Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, she stood against mandates that infringed on religious employers’ rights. In 2012, she sued the Obama administration to overturn requirements that religious employers provide contraception, sterilization, and abortifacients as part of their health care plans.
Bondi also took a strong public stance in defense of traditional marriage in 2014 and was a staunch advocate for Florida’s pro-life protections.
A Nominee Amid Controversy
Bondi’s nomination followed the withdrawal of Congressman Matt Gaetz, who faced opposition from several key Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Senator-elect John Curtis of Utah.
As she steps into the national spotlight, Bondi has pledged to prioritize justice and religious freedom, promising to address concerns about government overreach. Her commitment to investigating abuses of power and protecting people of faith could mark a significant shift in the DOJ’s approach under the incoming administration.
Bondi’s confirmation hearing reflects growing concerns among Catholics and other religious groups about protecting their right to worship and express their beliefs freely, as enshrined in the Constitution. If confirmed, her tenure could bring reassurance to those who feel targeted for their faith.