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New Research From Accountable.US Exposes Trump’s Loyalty-Driven Appointments

WASHINGTON, DC – A new report from Accountable.US reveals how personal loyalty, not qualifications, is driving Donald Trump’s latest high-profile nominations. Pam Bondi, tapped for Attorney General, and Matthew Whitaker, selected as Ambassador to NATO, highlight a pattern of rewarding allies who shield Trump through legal and political challenges.

Bondi’s history includes apparently refusing to prosecute Trump University after receiving an illegal $25,000 campaign donation from Trump’s foundation, defending him during his first impeachment, and amplifying unfounded claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. Whitaker, as acting U.S. Attorney General, ignored ethics advice during the Mueller investigation and defended January 6th rally organizers through his legal practice.

Whitaker’s nomination as NATO Ambassador raises additional alarms. His alignment with Trump’s criticisms of NATO, including questioning the alliance’s value and the contributions of European allies, casts doubt on his ability to represent the U.S. during a time of global instability effectively.

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These nominations are not about qualifications—they’re about loyalty. There is a clear pattern: defend Trump in public and in court, and you’ll be rewarded. This isn’t how the government should work. It undermines public trust and erodes the very foundation of public service.”

Caroline Ciccone, Accountable.US President

This loyalty-driven patronage extends beyond Whitaker and Bondi. Recently, Todd Blanche was nominated to be the Deputy Attorney General after working as Trump’s personal attorney, He defended the President-elect in three of his criminal cases: the classified documents case in Florida; the case “regarding his efforts to subvert the 2020 election” in DC; and in Manhattan, for the hush money case. John Sauer, “who won the presidential immunity case at the Supreme Court,” was tapped by Trump for the role of solicitor general. And Will Scharf, one of Trump’s personal attorneys involved in the federal election interference and Supreme Court immunity cases, was selected to serve as White House staff secretary, a low-profile but powerful role connected to the Oval Office.

Bondi and Whitaker also co-chair the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Law and Justice, which has supported Trump in his most high-profile legal battles. Their leadership roles and advocacy underscore how Trump’s nominations prioritize loyalty over accountability, setting a troubling precedent for public service.

“This isn’t governance—it’s cronyism,” Ciccone continued. “Pam Bondi and Matthew Whitaker exemplify how Trump’s administration prioritizes loyalty over accountability. It’s a dangerous precedent that erodes the public’s confidence in government institutions.”

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