At her confirmation hearing in January, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated her primary goal was to restore the Department of Justice (DOJ) to its core mission of ensuring public safety and enforcing the law. She emphasized priorities such as combating violent crime, gangs, child exploitation, drug trafficking, and foreign threats, while also pledging to uphold the foundational rights of all Americans and to restore confidence in the DOJ.

However, Bondi's first year has been characterized by significant turmoil, including numerous firings and resignations that have undermined the department's operational capacity. Reports indicate that her political appointees have misled federal judges and mishandled high-profile cases, leading to a deterioration of the DOJ's reputation for competence and integrity.

One notable incident involved a controversial plan by Bondi's subordinates to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for his cooperation on federal immigration enforcement. This scheme was so apparent that a federal judge dismissed the charges with prejudice, preventing their re-filing as leverage. Several top prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan resigned in protest of this approach.

In a memo issued shortly after her appointment, Bondi claimed to be committed to restoring the integrity of the DOJ following perceived abuses during the previous administration. However, her tenure has seen a purge of attorneys involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol attack and former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the motivations behind these actions.

Additionally, the DOJ has faced criticism for its attempts to coerce universities into compliance with federal demands, which some argue infringes upon First Amendment rights. This approach has been likened to intimidation tactics used by the administration to enforce ideological conformity among institutions.

On immigration matters, the DOJ has been accused of attempting to expedite deportations under the Alien Enemies Act without allowing individuals to seek relief in court. Allegations have surfaced regarding directives to ignore court orders, further complicating the department's standing in federal courts.

The DOJ's credibility has suffered to the extent that multiple federal judges have suggested that the department can no longer be presumed to act in good faith. This marks a significant decline in the DOJ's institutional reputation, which has not been seen in its 155-year history.

Under Bondi's leadership, the DOJ appears to prioritize political interests over traditional autonomy and independence, a shift from post-Watergate norms. Despite expectations, Bondi has struggled to fulfill the demands of the Trump administration, particularly in prosecuting perceived political adversaries.

As the Trump presidency continues, the implications of Bondi's leadership on the DOJ raise concerns about the future of justice and accountability in the United States, particularly in light of the department's current challenges and controversies.