Attorneys General from 20 states are calling on the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm three nominees proposed by President-elect Donald Trump for key national security positions. The nominees include Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) for Secretary of Homeland Security, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, and Kash Patel for FBI Director. The officials emphasize the urgency of assembling a strong national security team given current challenges.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) spearheaded the effort, issuing a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The letter highlights concerns over border security and crime, calling for immediate action to address policies of the Biden administration that the attorneys general claim have undermined public safety.
The letter cites President Biden’s border policies as a significant national security risk. According to the attorneys general, lax enforcement has allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. unchecked, leading to tragic outcomes, including the recent murder of Laken Riley and the infiltration of suspected ISIS terrorists. The letter asserts Governor Noem’s expertise and leadership make her the right choice to restore border security.
Further criticism targets the Department of Justice and FBI, emphasizing rising violent crime and alleged politicization under the Biden administration. The attorneys general accuse the FBI of focusing on ideological investigations rather than tackling violent crime. They argue that Bondi and Patel possess the experience and leadership to restore integrity to the DOJ and FBI.
Pam Bondi’s confirmation hearing began Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, while Kristi Noem will appear before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Friday. Kash Patel’s formal nomination will occur once FBI Director Christopher Wray steps down at the end of Biden’s term.
The letter was signed by 20 attorneys general, including Steve Marshall (R-AL), Todd Rokita (R-IN), Ken Paxton (R-TX), and Jason Miyares (R-VA), among others. They stress that delays in confirmation will compromise the safety and security of Americans.
