History of Pam Bondi in Timeline
Pamela Jo Bondi is a prominent figure in American law, politics, and lobbying. As a Republican, she held the position of Florida Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, marking a historic moment as the first woman elected to the role. Her career reflects her extensive involvement in legal and political spheres.
November 17, 1965: Birth of Pam Bondi
Pamela Jo Bondi was born on November 17, 1965.
1987: Graduates from University of Florida
In 1987, Pam Bondi graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Criminal Justice.
1990: First Marriage
Bondi married Garret Barnes in 1990.
1990: Graduates from Stetson Law School
Pam Bondi earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Stetson Law School in 1990.
June 24, 1991: Admitted to the Florida Bar
Pam Bondi was admitted to the Florida Bar on June 24, 1991.
1996: Second Marriage
Bondi married Scott Fitzgerald in 1996.
2002: Second Divorce
Bondi and Scott Fitzgerald divorced in 2002.
2006: Prosecution of Dwight Gooden
In 2006, Pam Bondi prosecuted former Major League Baseball player Dwight Gooden for violating probation and substance abuse.
2007: Prosecution in Martin Anderson Case
In 2007, Pam Bondi prosecuted the defendants in the death of Martin Anderson.
August 2010: Leads in Attorney General Primary
Polling in August 2010 showed Pam Bondi leading in the Republican primary for Florida Attorney General.
2010: Runs for Florida Attorney General
In 2010, Pam Bondi ran for Florida Attorney General, receiving support from Sarah Palin.
2010: Association with Scientology
Starting in 2010, Pam Bondi's association with Scientology and related fundraising caused controversy.
2011: Pam Bondi becomes Florida Attorney General
In 2011, Pam Bondi began her term as the 37th Florida Attorney General, the first woman to hold the position.
2011: Lender Processing Services Controversy
In 2011, Pam Bondi faced scrutiny after receiving campaign contributions from Lender Processing Services following the resignation of attorneys investigating the company.
2012: Engagement to Greg Henderson
Bondi became engaged to Greg Henderson in 2012.
August 2013: Email Exchange Regarding Trump Donation
In August 2013, an email exchange between Bondi's campaign finance director and Trump's executive assistant revealed details about a $25,000 donation to a Florida PAC, raising questions about its legality.
2013: Trump University Controversy
In 2013, Pam Bondi faced criticism after receiving a donation from Donald Trump amid her office's consideration of joining a lawsuit against Trump University.
2013: Postpones Execution for Fundraiser
In 2013, Pam Bondi postponed a scheduled execution due to a fundraising event conflict, later apologizing for the decision.
2013: Trump Foundation Donation Controversy
The Trump Foundation donation to Pam Bondi's PAC in 2013 sparked controversy and an IRS investigation.
November 2014: Re-elected as Attorney General
Pam Bondi was re-elected as Florida Attorney General in November 2014.
March 14, 2016: Endorsement of Trump
On March 14, 2016, Pam Bondi endorsed Donald Trump for president.
June 2016: Clash with Anderson Cooper
Following the Orlando nightclub shooting in June 2016, Pam Bondi clashed with CNN reporter Anderson Cooper over her record on LGBT rights.
June 2016: Scrutiny over Trump Donation
In June 2016, Pam Bondi faced renewed criticism over the Trump donation and her decision not to join the lawsuit against Trump University.
September 2016: IRS Fine for Trump Donation
In September 2016, the IRS fined Donald Trump for the improper donation made to Pam Bondi's PAC.
2016: Republican National Convention Speech
Bondi led "Lock her up" chants against Hillary Clinton during her speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
August 2018: Co-hosts Fox News' The Five
In August 2018, Pam Bondi co-hosted Fox News' The Five, sparking controversy over ethics concerns.
2018: Meetings with Lev Parnas
During 2018, while serving as Florida Attorney General, Bondi had several meetings with Lev Parnas, a businessman linked to Rudy Giuliani and Ukraine.
2018: Lawsuit against ACA
In 2018, Pam Bondi joined a lawsuit with other Republican-led states to overturn parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
November 2019: Hired by Trump Administration
In November 2019, Bondi joined the Trump administration as a special government employee to assist with the first impeachment proceedings. She continued working for the Arab lobby simultaneously.
November 2019: Trump Foundation Closure
In November 2019, a New York court ordered the Trump Foundation to close and pay damages for misuse of funds, including the donation to Pam Bondi's PAC.
2019: End of Attorney General Term
In 2019, Pam Bondi's term as Florida Attorney General ended.
2019: Parnas Arrest and Allegations
In 2019, Lev Parnas was arrested on charges of illegally funneling foreign money to Republican politicians, particularly in Florida, where he resided. This followed his meetings with Bondi the previous year. Bondi also made allegations against Joe and Hunter Biden during the impeachment trial.
January 17, 2020: Named to Trump's Impeachment Defense Team
On January 17, 2020, Bondi was officially named as a member of Trump's defense team for his Senate impeachment trial.
November 5, 2020: Fox News Appearance and Pennsylvania Claim
On November 5, 2020, Bondi appeared on Fox News and refused to provide evidence for her claims of voter fraud when challenged by host Steve Doocy. She prematurely declared Trump the winner in Pennsylvania despite ongoing vote counting.
2020: 2020 Republican National Convention and Election Challenges
In 2020, Bondi spoke at the Republican National Convention in support of Trump and later echoed his unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud during the presidential election.
2020: Trump Impeachment Trial Lawyer
In 2020, Pam Bondi served as one of President Donald Trump's defense lawyers during his first impeachment trial.
2021: The Daily Beast Report on Trump's Illegal Donation
In 2021, The Daily Beast published records indicating that Trump's organization was aware that the 2013 donation was made to a Florida PAC instead of a Kansas non-profit, contradicting previous explanations and suggesting a deliberate attempt to circumvent campaign finance laws.
2024: Leading America First Policy Institute's Legal Arm
By 2024, Bondi was heading the legal branch of the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute, a dark money nonprofit developing policies for a potential second Trump term. She was involved in filing voting-related lawsuits in key states during the 2024 presidential election.
2024: Leads America First Policy Institute's Legal Arm
By 2024, Pam Bondi led the legal arm of the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute.