Imagine stepping into a room where two fierce rivals face off, not with swords, but with words. That was the scene Wednesday as Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, squared off in what felt more like a sparring match than a formal Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Their exchanges were sharp, fiery, and laced with reminders of their tumultuous history.
A Tense Reunion
This wasn’t the first time Schiff and Bondi had locked horns. Flashback to 2020, when Schiff served as a House impeachment manager, and Bondi defended Trump during his first impeachment trial. Fast forward five years, and the two were back at it, digging into contentious issues like the legitimacy of the 2020 election, pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, and the use of the Justice Department to target political opponents.
From the get-go, their dynamic was electric. Schiff accused Bondi of dodging questions, while Bondi fired back with counterpoints that often veered into other hot-button topics. It wasn’t just a debate—it was a verbal chess game, with each trying to outmaneuver the other.
Pointed Questions, Defiant Answers
At one point, Schiff pressed Bondi on whether she’d investigate special counsel Jack Smith, who had led criminal prosecutions of Trump. Bondi’s response? A firm refusal to make premature promises.
“I haven’t seen the file. I haven’t seen the investigation. It would be irresponsible of me to commit to anything without reviewing the facts,” she said.
When Schiff brought up former Rep. Liz Cheney and Trump’s suggestion that she be jailed for her role on the Jan. 6 Committee, Bondi deftly pivoted to California’s crime rate. “That’s what I want to focus on, senator,” she said.
Schiff wasn’t having it. “Your non-answer suggests you don’t have the independence to say no to the president,” he retorted.
A History of Tension
The hearing wasn’t just about Bondi’s potential role as attorney general—it was a stage for rehashing old battles. Bondi called out Schiff for past actions, referencing his time as chair of the House Intelligence Committee and his infamous feud with Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA). Schiff, in turn, reminded Bondi of her earlier positions, pressing her on issues like pardons for Capitol rioters and the preservation of evidence from the Jan. 6 investigation.
“I’ll review pardons on a case-by-case basis,” Bondi stated firmly. Schiff shot back, questioning the feasibility of reviewing hundreds of cases on her first day.
“You were censured by Congress, senator, for moments just like this,” Bondi quipped, in a pointed jab that highlighted Schiff’s reprimand in 2023 by a GOP-led House vote.
Drama, Politics, and High Stakes
The hearing wasn’t short on drama. Bondi pledged to “follow the law” and dismissed accusations of political bias, while Schiff sought assurances that the Justice Department under her leadership wouldn’t become a tool for Trump’s agenda.
“Are you frightened because evidence was destroyed against President Trump that was false?” Bondi asked in one of their most heated moments.
A Glimpse of What’s Ahead
If Wednesday’s hearing was any indication, Bondi’s potential confirmation as attorney general promises a rocky road ahead. Her exchanges with Schiff underscored the deep political divides and lingering tensions that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.
This was more than just a hearing—it was a clash of ideologies, a battle of wills, and a preview of the fiery debates to come. One thing’s for sure: the drama in Washington is far from over.
