The US Senate confirmed on Tuesday the nomination of Republican Pam Bondi as attorney general in the new administration led by Donald Trump.
The upper house approved the nomination with 54 votes in favor and 46 against.
The 59-year-old former Florida attorney general was chosen by the New York tycoon on November 21, replacing Matt Gaetz after he resigned over sex scandals.
When Bondi was chosen, Trump recalled that the Republican made history as Florida's first female attorney general, a position she held from 2011 to 2019.
The Republican lawyer was part of the transition team for Trump's first term (2017-2021) and defended him during the first impeachment trial in 2020.
At his Senate nomination hearing on January 15, Bondi repeatedly stressed his commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the Justice Department operates independently, free from political influence, including from the executive branch.
The now attorney general, who replaces Democrat Merrick Garland, has pledged to enforce laws to secure the border with Mexico, addressing problems such as fentanyl trafficking, gang violence and criminal activity related to border policies.
Bondi has pledged to end the politicization of the Justice Department, restore public trust and get rid of individuals who act inappropriately within the office he will lead.
