By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-durbin-says-he-needs-to-know-if-bondi-would-tell-trump-no-if-asked-to-do-something-illegal Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Durbin says he needs to know if Bondi would tell Trump ‘no’ if asked to do something illegal Politics Jan 15, 2025 11:15 AM EDT Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., questioned U.S. attorney general nominee Pam Bondi in a confirmation hearing Wednesday held by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate Judiciary ranking member said the role of attorney general ought to be insulated from political influence and the Justice Department shouldn’t be weaponized against political rivals. WATCH: Bondi says there will ‘never be an enemies list’ at the Justice Department Durbin noted that Bondi is one of four personal lawyers who’ve served for President Donald Trump and have been selected for his Cabinet. “I need to know that you would tell the president ‘no’ if you’re asked to do something that is wrong, illegal or unconstitutional,” Durbin said. Bondi is a former Florida attorney general and has been a longtime ally of President-elect Donald Trump. This is the first of two hearings the committee has scheduled for the nominee. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He's also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., questioned U.S. attorney general nominee Pam Bondi in a confirmation hearing Wednesday held by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate Judiciary ranking member said the role of attorney general ought to be insulated from political influence and the Justice Department shouldn’t be weaponized against political rivals. WATCH: Bondi says there will ‘never be an enemies list’ at the Justice Department Durbin noted that Bondi is one of four personal lawyers who’ve served for President Donald Trump and have been selected for his Cabinet. “I need to know that you would tell the president ‘no’ if you’re asked to do something that is wrong, illegal or unconstitutional,” Durbin said. Bondi is a former Florida attorney general and has been a longtime ally of President-elect Donald Trump. This is the first of two hearings the committee has scheduled for the nominee. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now