Bondi is a longtime Trump loyalist, known for her strong advocacy for conservative causes — and she's no stranger to controversy.

In Ms. Bondi, who served on his legal team during his first impeachment, the president-elect turned to a loyal ally to put his stamp on a Justice Department that he sees as hostile to him.

The president-elect announced his plans to nominate the former Florida attorney general, who served on his impeachment defense team, to the Cabinet role hours after embattled former congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his bid.