Pam BondiPresident-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for US attorney general has sparked controversy following a recently resurfaced interview in which she advocated deporting foreign students who expressed support for the case. Hamas.
Bondi, who served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019, was nominated after Trump’s initial pick, Matt Gaetz, withdrew amid controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied.
In an October 2023 interview with Newsmax, Bondi criticized Campus protest which followed Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. She said students on visas who support Hamas should face immediate consequences. “I think their Student is displayed There needs to be a repeal,” Bondi said.
When they say ‘I support Hamas’ the FBI needs to interview them immediately. I am Hamas.’ He’s not saying, ‘I support all these poor Palestinians trapped in Gaza,'” she added.
Bondi further called for Trump to be reinstated Travel banCiting the need to address growing Anti-Semitism In the United States. “The rampant anti-Semitism in this country right now is really heartbreaking,” she said, adding that many student protesters lack an understanding of Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Bondi’s unwavering support for Israel has drawn praise from some Jewish lawmakers. Former Democratic Rep Robert Wexler Commenting, “When it comes to the interests of the Jewish community and having an attorney general who will fight to protect them, we can do no better than Pam Bondi.”
Bondi’s nomination has drawn attention for her strong relationship with Trump and her controversial views.
Her tenure as Florida Attorney General was marked by opposition to same-sex marriage and efforts to repeal Obamacare. Despite these controversies, Bondi’s qualifications and alignment with Trump’s policies may have convinced Republican senators to be wary after Gaetz’s defeat.
As Bondi prepares for his confirmation process, his statements about Hamas and campus protests are likely to remain a central topic of discussion.