Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) where she expressed her concerns about anti-Israel student protesters on visas in the United States who were threatening American students. Bondi stated that these individuals needed to be removed from the country to ensure the safety of all students. She was joined on stage by Senator Ted Cruz and radio show host Ben Ferguson, who both agreed with her sentiments. Bondi emphasized that upholding the rule of law as the nation’s top cop was a fundamental responsibility.
Bondi also addressed the anti-Israel college protests that occurred across the U.S., noting that these were not peaceful demonstrations as claimed by some. She criticized the violence that occurred during these protests and highlighted the increase in antisemitism on college campuses. Jewish students reported feeling unsafe due to the growing hostility and discriminatory behavior directed towards them. Bondi mentioned specific incidents at Columbia University, UCLA, Harvard, and Yale where protesters took over buildings, demanded divestment from Israel, and engaged in disruptive activities.
The protests were triggered by the war in Israel initiated by terrorist organization Hamas, which led to a rise in antisemitic incidents and vandalism on college campuses. Jewish students faced threats to their safety, prompting warnings to leave campus for their own protection. The situation escalated to the point where concern for the well-being of Jewish students grew, and the need for action to address the issue became pressing. Bondi expressed her worries about the politicization of the Department of Justice under former President Joe Biden and stated that she had undertaken measures to address the situation.
During her conversation with Cruz and Ferguson, Bondi highlighted the extent of the challenges faced in reforming the Department of Justice and emphasized the need to combat the weaponization of the department. She issued executive orders aimed at ending the politicization and restoring the focus on fighting crime. Bondi acknowledged the dedication of many DOJ employees who wanted to uphold the law and ensure justice was served. Despite the difficulties faced in reforming the department, she expressed confidence in the efforts being made to address the issues.
Bondi’s comments at CPAC underscored the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all students on college campuses and upholding the rule of law. She condemned the violent protests and antisemitism that had marred campuses, expressing determination to address these issues. Bondi’s leadership in the Department of Justice aimed to restore integrity and focus on combating crime, despite the challenges faced. The need to address the politicization of the department and ensure that justice was served remained a top priority for Bondi and her team as they worked towards improving the situation.
