U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Faces Legal Challenge Over D.C. Police Control Bid

Washington, D.C. – United States Attorney General Pam Bondi recently faced a swift legal challenge after attempting to assert federal control over the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department. The move, which involved appointing the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an "emergency police commissioner," was met with immediate opposition from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who filed a lawsuit arguing the directive was unlawful. This action underscores Bondi's aggressive approach to her role, drawing both staunch support and significant criticism since her confirmation in February 2025.

Bondi, a long-standing ally of former President Donald Trump, assumed the position of the 87th U.S. Attorney General following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz's nomination. Her appointment marked a significant shift, with critics alleging a politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to align with the former president's agenda. Mike Davis, head of the conservative legal group Article III Project, lauded her effectiveness, stating in a tweet:

"no Republican Attorney General has been more effective so quickly as Pam Bondi. She’s not going anywhere, and she shouldn’t go anywhere.”

The contentious D.C. police directive aimed to suspend local restrictions on federal immigration law enforcement and rescind conflicting police orders. However, the D.C. Attorney General's lawsuit quickly led to Bondi backing down from the full federal takeover. This incident follows other controversial actions, including the establishment of a "Weaponization Working Group" to investigate perceived abuses by law enforcement officials who previously targeted Trump. These policies have reportedly led to a mass exodus of career staff within various DOJ divisions.

Bondi's tenure has also been marked by her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. She initially claimed an Epstein "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now," generating significant public interest. However, the Department of Justice and FBI later issued a memo stating that no such incriminating list existed, leading to widespread disappointment and criticism, particularly from elements within the MAGA movement.

Legal experts and former prosecutors have voiced concerns, suggesting Bondi has transformed the DOJ into a "personal law firm" for the former president. Her actions reflect a clear mandate to implement Trump's legal and policy priorities, often leading to clashes with established legal norms and career officials. Despite the controversies, Bondi appears to retain the support of former President Trump, signaling a continued assertive direction for the Department of Justice.