Bondi Sworn in as Attorney General, Halts Sanctuary City Funding

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was sworn in as the new U.S. Attorney General on Wednesday following Senate approval and immediately issued several day-one directives, including a pause of funding for sanctuary cities.

The Details: Despite strong Democratic opposition, Bondi's nomination passed the Senate 54-46 with the support of just one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Other directives issued included efforts to combat purported justice system weaponization, encourage the use of the death penalty, and “eliminate” cartels.

For Context: According to the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided $1.56 billion to sanctuary cities in 2023. Shortly after President Trump’s election victory, some Democratic leaders vowed to oppose his immigration agenda. One notable exception was New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who said he would work with Trump to deport migrants charged with crimes.

Key Quote: Bondi told Trump while being sworn in, “I will restore integrity to the Justice Department, and I will fight violent crime throughout this country and throughout this world.”

How The Media Covered It: Many outlets highlighted that Bondi’s confirmation vote was partisan, with only Fetterman crossing lines. The Independent (Lean Left bias) included the data from CIS, an organization some critics have previously described as “conservative.” The Daily Wire (Right) included context on Democratic leaders of sanctuary cities previously speaking out against Trump’s stated immigration agenda.