Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) is facing public backlash after a leaked video appeared to show him dozing off during a critical confirmation hearing for Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows Schiff with his head tilted and eyes closed during Bondi’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Critics from both sides of the political aisle were quick to pounce on the incident, calling it yet another misstep for the California senator. Schiff, who has faced increased scrutiny following his congressional censure last year, now finds himself embroiled in a fresh wave of criticism.
A Heated Start to the Day
The confirmation hearing began with intense exchanges between Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, and Senator Schiff. Bondi, nominated by President-elect Trump for the role of Attorney General, faced tough questions about her stance on presidential pardons and how she plans to address pressing national issues.
Schiff focused his questioning on Bondi’s approach to presidential pardons. “If confirmed, will you advise the President to review pardons on a case-by-case basis rather than issuing blanket pardons?” Schiff pressed, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the justice system.
Bondi responded with measured confidence. “Senator, I have not yet reviewed any pardon cases. If confirmed, I will carefully evaluate each case on its merits and provide sound legal advice to the President,” she stated.
The exchange escalated when Schiff questioned whether Bondi would be able to manage a potential influx of pardon cases immediately upon assuming office. “How will you handle reviewing hundreds of cases at once?” he asked.
Unfazed, Bondi shot back, “I am committed to upholding the law and will review every file I am asked to. I will not mislead this body or the American people.”
A Personal Jab
The hearing took a sharp turn when Bondi referenced Schiff’s past controversies. “Senator, with all due respect, your approach to questioning reminds me of why you were censured by Congress. Reckless accusations have no place here,” she remarked, drawing gasps from those in attendance.
Schiff’s congressional censure in 2023 for alleged misconduct during investigations into former President Trump’s ties to Russia has remained a contentious topic. Schiff has repeatedly denied the allegations, labeling them politically motivated.
Avoiding the Bait
At one point, Schiff attempted to draw Bondi into discussing an investigation involving former Representative Liz Cheney. He asked whether Bondi believed there was a “factual basis” for pursuing Cheney, who had been accused of witness tampering during her work on the January 6 Committee.
Bondi refused to engage with the hypothetical scenario. “Senator, no one has asked me to investigate Liz Cheney. My focus will be on real issues affecting Americans today. For example, the crime rate in California is soaring. Robberies in your state are 87% higher than the national average. That’s where my attention will be if confirmed as Attorney General,” she said, redirecting the conversation to highlight concerns over rising crime rates.
Bondi’s Nomination and Support
Pam Bondi’s nomination comes after President-elect Trump’s original choice for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, withdrew amid controversy. Known for her tough-on-crime policies during her tenure as Florida’s Attorney General, Bondi has garnered support from over 100 former Justice Department officials who praise her commitment to justice and her proven track record in law enforcement.
While Bondi’s nomination has sparked debates, her sharp responses during the hearing have earned her praise from many observers. Her ability to navigate politically charged questions with poise has solidified her reputation as a formidable legal mind.
Schiff’s Struggles
For Senator Schiff, the leaked footage is yet another challenge in a tumultuous political career. His 2023 censure marked a significant setback, and his Senate campaign has faced criticism from progressive groups who argue that his approach sidelined more liberal voices within the party.
In addition to his political controversies, Schiff has been a frequent target of former President Trump, who has labeled him an “enemy from within.” The leaked footage is likely to fuel further attacks from his critics and may impact his political aspirations moving forward.
The Bigger Picture
The viral video has reignited discussions about the conduct and accountability of public officials. For Schiff, the incident is a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by those in the political spotlight. For Bondi, the hearing highlighted her ability to remain composed under pressure, bolstering her case for confirmation.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the confirmation process for Pam Bondi is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political events in recent history.
Morgan White is the Lead Writer and Editorial Director at Bengali Media, driving the creation of impactful and engaging content across the website. As the principal author and a visionary leader, Morgan has established himself as the backbone of Bengali Media, contributing extensively to its growth and reputation.
With a degree in Mass Communication from University of Ljubljana and over 6 years of experience in journalism and digital publishing, Morgan is not just a writer but a strategist. His expertise spans news, popular culture, and lifestyle topics, delivering articles that inform, entertain, and resonate with a global audience.
Under his guidance, Bengali Media has flourished, attracting millions of readers and becoming a trusted source of authentic and original content. Morgan’s leadership ensures the team consistently produces high-quality work, maintaining the website’s commitment to excellence.
You can connect with Morgan on LinkedIn at Morgan White/LinkedIn to discover more about his career and insights into the world of digital media.