Rubio and Bondi Face Senate Hearings Amid Protests and Scrutiny

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi faced Senate confirmation hearings on Thursday, with Rubio vying for the role of secretary of state and Bondi seeking to become the next U.S. attorney general. The hearings, marked by protests and intense questioning, highlighted the challenges ahead for President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominees.

Rubio, a Republican and former presidential candidate, emphasized his commitment to promoting peace and security during his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “We must confront the greatest risk of geopolitical instability in our lifetime,” Rubio said, addressing global threats such as terrorism and authoritarian regimes. His hearing was interrupted multiple times by protesters, including one who shouted “healthcare is a human right” before being escorted out by Capitol Police.

Meanwhile, Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, faced the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she pledged to restore the Department of Justice‘s focus on public safety. “My overriding objective is to return the DOJ to its core mission of keeping Americans safe,” Bondi said. She also addressed concerns about her past lobbying work and her relationship with Trump, stating, “I will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.”

Rubio’s hearing drew attention to his foreign policy stance, particularly his hawkish positions on Iran and China. Senator Rick Scott, a fellow Florida Republican, praised Rubio as the “perfect person” to lead U.S. diplomacy. However, Democrats pressed Rubio on his plans to address conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as his commitment to empowering women globally.

Bondi’s hearing focused on her tenure as Florida’s attorney general and her ties to Trump. Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, questioned whether Bondi would resist political pressure from the White House. “Will you tell the president ‘no’ if he asks you to do something illegal?” Durbin asked. Bondi responded by affirming her commitment to impartial justice.

Both nominees face a Republican-controlled Senate, where their confirmations are expected to proceed smoothly. However, the hearings underscored the deep political divisions in Washington as Trump prepares to take office.