No more free passes for Pam Bondi

The Department of Justice has been corrupted into a personal weapon against perceived foes under Donald Trump's administration, according to Tribune News, making his third impeachment long overdue. The article argues that accomplices, particularly former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, must also be held accountable.

Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, is accused of concocting a $1.8 billion slush fund to reward Jan. 6 defendants and stifle IRS tax audits, despite a court ruling against it. The article criticizes the Senate for protecting this fund during a recent immigration budget debate and condemns the potential confirmation of Blanche as a "monumental disgrace."

The piece highlights that 54 senators, including eight Republicans, voted against payments to individuals convicted of assaulting police officers on Jan. 6, falling short of the required votes. Florida Senator Ashley Moody's vote is noted as contradictory, and Senator Rick Scott is criticized for siding with the Jan. 6 defendants.

Pam Bondi, described as Trump's "unquestioning consigliere" before being fired for insufficient ruthlessness, faces renewed scrutiny. Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD) refiled an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar, alleging serious misconduct in her handling of the Department of Justice. The complaint charges Bondi with numerous violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Previously, the Florida Bar rejected an initial complaint, citing a rule that it would not pursue discipline against Florida-licensed lawyers holding federal constitutional office. The article contends this excuse was dubious, especially since the US Constitution does not require an attorney general to be a licensed lawyer. Bondi, now reportedly back at lobbying firm Ballard Partners, is the subject of the complaint, with retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince leading the legal team, supported by over 140 former judges and law professors.