Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, vowed at her Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday to stop the government’s “instrumentalization” of Catholics, pro-life activists and parents. worried about their children.
During his January 15 hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Bondi – former Florida attorney general – referred to the Richmond FBI memo that targeted Catholics as the “ultimate weaponization” of the government.
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The January 2023 memo detailed an investigation into what it called “radical-traditionalist” Catholics and their possible ties to “the far-right white nationalist movement.” It discussed an opportunity to “develop a trap or a source” within parishes that offer the Latin Mass and within online Catholic communities that the agency considered “radical-traditionalist.”
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., asked Bondi if he would put an end to “abuses” like this memo, which he called “an incredible attack on Americans’ First Amendment rights.”
“Of course,” Bondi said, adding: “I think what you’re talking about is maximum instrumentalization (of the government).”
When Hawley asked whether Bondi would investigate the federal agents involved, he said he will “personally read that memo” and discuss it with Kash Patel, who is Trump’s nominee to head the FBI.
“I think it’s something we can all agree on, on both sides,” Bondi added. “This should not be happening in the United States of America and (we should) work together to fix it.”
Bondi also said that the FBI’s use of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a source on extremist groups “will be one of the first things we look at as well.” The FBI relied on SPLC designations of “radical-traditionalist” Catholics to draft the memo.
Hawley also referenced the prosecution of pro-life protesters under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, some of whom face several years in prison. Bondi promised to ensure that the Justice Department would not be used to target pro-life protesters or people of any religious faith.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, asked Bondi if he would end the “instrumentalization of government,” such as attacks on “Catholics trying to practice their faith, … parents showing up to school board meetings.” (and) people who show up to participate in peaceful (protests) outside abortion clinics.”
“The attacks on parents at school board meetings must end,” Bondi said, adding that investigations “for practicing their religion” and “sending informants to Catholic churches” must also stop.
“This will stop, it must stop,” Bondi said.
Trump will take office on Monday, January 20. He has criticized the FBI for its investigation into Catholics and has promised to free pro-life activists imprisoned under the FACE Act.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
Tyler Arnold
Tyler Arnold is a reporter for the National Catholic Register. He previously worked at The Center Square and has published in a variety of outlets, including The Associated Press, National Review, The American Conservative, and The Federalist.