President-elect Donald Trump picked Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz, who withdrew due to Senate Republican opposition over sexual misconduct allegations|@PamBondi; Gage Skidmore|X; CC BY-SA 2.0

President-elect Donald Trump named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new pick to lead the Justice Department, replacing Matt Gaetz, who withdrew due to Senate Republican opposition over sexual misconduct allegations.

Bondi, a longtime Trump ally, previously served as a legal advisor during his impeachment trial and held roles in pro-Trump organizations.

Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, calling Bondi a “smart and tough” candidate who aligns with his America First agenda. She is expected to face a smoother Senate confirmation process due to her strong Capitol Hill connections.

The announcement comes as a police report surfaced this week about Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth’s 2017 sexual assault claims from a woman. The former Fox News host maintained the encounter was consensual.