BOMBSHELL: Pam Bondi isn't really running the DoJ — here's who is
President Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff for policy Stephen Miller is reportedly unofficially running the Department of Justice (DoJ), despite having no law degree.
The New York Times reported Monday that Attorney General Pam Bondi "is still finding her footing, as evidenced by her setback with the Epstein files."
According to the report, Bondi sees her role as that of a surrogate. She considers herself "a faithful executor and high-volume messenger, compelled to cede ground to empowered players in the West Wing, and in her own building, who exercise significant authority that rivals her own."
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Bondi reportedly advocated for a limit to clemency for Jan. 6 rioters to those not accused of acting violently. Ignoring her suggestion, Trump extended pardons to even violent offenders.
According to the current and former Trump aides the Times interviewed, it was clear from the start that Miller would exercise control inside the department. The report cited 20 current and former officials, who were not named.
Elizabeth Oyer, the DoJ's former top pardon lawyer who was fired for her refusal to give gun ownership rights to the actor Mel Gibson, told the Times: “The decisions are being made at the White House, and then they’re being pushed down to the Department of Justice, which is very, very atypical."
“It feels like she is just performing a part,” Oyer added. She is like an actor, in a way.”
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"If there is a script, it has come in the form of prescriptive executive orders and memos from the White House. The agenda has largely been set by Mr. Trump, his adviser Stephen Miller and other officials — hashing out details with two former criminal defense lawyers for Mr. Trump who run day-to-day operations in the department, along with the attorney general," the Times report said.
It further noted that Bondi has "flattered Trump lavishly, if not always factually."
When Trump sat alongside his Cabinet a day after he crossed the 100-day mark of his time in office last month, members of the cabinet took turns to praise the president.
Although everyone offered glowing reviews, Bondi stood out by telling Trump that he was genuinely the best president of all time.
"President, your first 100 days has far exceeded that of any other presidency in this country. Ever. Ever. Never seen anything like it. Thank you," she said during the Cabinet meeting.
