Watchdog Report: Trump AG Pick Pam Bondi Saddled With Conflicts of Interest As Lobbying Clients Faced DOJ Trouble

Washington D.C. – Today, government watchdog Accountable.US US released a new analysis finding President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, faces multiple potential conflicts of interest involving her lobbying clients that have had run-ins with the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) – adding to a rapidly growing number of conflicts of interest for the incoming Trump administration. 

Accountable.US found at least five of the former Florida AG turned lobbyist’s major lobbying clients have faced DOJ fines, investigations, or related scrutiny that could pose serious conflicts if she is confirmed as AG. For instance, Bondi has directly lobbied on behalf of Amazon and Ballard Partners “proudly” counts the corporation among its clients. In July 2023, DOJ imposed a $25 million civil penalty on Amazon over allegations its Alexa service illegally retained recordings of children’s voices. 

Additionally, while Bondi has chaired Ballard Partners’ Corporate Regulatory Compliance practice, the firm’s big-name clients have faced major DOJ lawsuits and investigations. Notably, Ballard Partners “proudly” represents Google, which is facing a “landmark” antitrust case from DOJ and multiple states. A separate DOJ lawsuit is alleging the corporation “acquired rivals through anticompetitive mergers” and “bullied” companies into using its ad technology.

“Pam Bondi’s career lobbying for corporate clients that had run-ins with the DOJ now poses potential conflicts of interest and serious questions whether she will put her personal interests ahead of the American people,” said Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk. “People are tired of this same, old insider game.”

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