Pam Bondi, a former attorney general for the state of Florida, is a polarizing figure in American politics. She has been praised by some for her conservative views and her tough stance on crime, but she has also been criticized for her close ties to former President Donald Trump and her involvement in several controversial cases.
Bondi was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from Stetson University and Stetson University College of Law. After law school, she worked as an assistant state attorney in Hillsborough County, Florida. In 2002, she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. In 2006, she was elected attorney general of Florida, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
As attorney general, Bondi was known for her conservative views. She opposed same-sex marriage and abortion. She also implemented a number of policies that cracked down on crime, such as the "10-20-Life" law, which imposed mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent crimes. Bondi's tough stance on crime earned her support from many Floridians, but it also drew criticism from those who believed that her policies were too harsh.
In 2019, Bondi decided not to seek re-election as attorney general. She instead joined the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded by former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Bondi has been a vocal supporter of Trump since he first ran for president in 2016. She served on his impeachment defense team and has continued to defend him since he left office.
Bondi's close ties to Trump have drawn criticism from some. In 2020, she was accused of using her position as attorney general to help Trump's re-election campaign. Bondi has denied these accusations, but they have raised questions about her impartiality.
Despite the controversies, Bondi remains a popular figure among many conservatives. She is seen as a strong leader and a staunch defender of conservative values. However, her critics believe that she is too closely aligned with Trump and that she has put her political ambitions ahead of the interests of Floridians.