Buckeye Reporter

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, as his nominee for U.S. Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration. While her confirmation in the Senate is anticipated to proceed smoothly, Bondi's history with gun rights has raised concerns among Second Amendment supporters.

During her time as Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019, Bondi had a mixed record on gun rights. She supported the state's "stand your ground" law and opposed federal bans on semi-automatic weapons. However, she also backed state gun control measures following the Parkland shooting in 2018, which included raising the firearm purchase age to 21 and implementing "red flag" laws that allow courts to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.

Some gun rights groups have expressed dissatisfaction with Bondi's actions. Eric Friday, general counsel for Florida Carry, described her tenure as marked by "anti-gun decisions." The NRA also criticized Bondi for her defense of post-Parkland laws, accusing her of using "bullying" tactics in court proceedings.

Despite these controversies, Bondi is expected to receive support from Senate Republicans due to her close ties with Trump. She has been an ally of Trump, participating in his legal defense during impeachment trials and challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election. Her background as a prosecutor and involvement with the America First Policy Institute have strengthened her credentials.

Trump praised Bondi as "dedicated to justice and law and order," highlighting her ability to tackle issues like crime, trafficking, and opioid abuse. Supporters such as Senator Lindsey Graham have shown enthusiasm for her nomination, describing it as a "grand slam" choice.

Second Amendment advocates are closely monitoring Bondi's nomination process. Many are concerned about whether she will endorse federal gun control measures similar to those she supported in Florida. Her past positions raise questions about how she will handle ongoing lawsuits challenging gun bans and whether she will advocate restoring gun rights to non-violent felons.

Bondi has not yet publicly addressed these issues in relation to her new role. However, Second Amendment groups are likely to seek clarification during the confirmation hearings. How she reconciles her previous stances with Trump's pro-gun platform remains a critical issue for both gun owners and lawmakers.

As confirmation hearings approach, Bondi's record on gun rights is expected to play a significant role in discussions surrounding her nomination. Both supporters and critics await further insight into how she plans to approach Second Amendment issues under her leadership.

Republished with permission from AmmoLand.