US President-elect Donald Trump has named veteran prosecutor Pam Bondi as his new nominee for attorney general, just hours after Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy for the role.

Bondi, 59, brings extensive experience in law enforcement, having served as Florida’s attorney general. A long-time ally of Trump, she played a prominent role in defending him during his first Senate impeachment trial.

While the withdrawal of Gaetz marks a setback for Trump, Bondi’s nomination is expected to face less resistance from the Senate, which must confirm the appointment.

“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on violent criminals and made the streets safe for Florida families,” Trump said in a social media statement announcing her selection.

Bondi has maintained a close relationship with Trump since his 2016 presidential campaign. At a recent rally, she referred to him as a “friend” and has consistently supported his initiatives.

In 2019, she joined the Trump administration to lead efforts on “proactive impeachment messaging,” serving as both a legal advisor and defense attorney during Trump’s first impeachment trial, which ended in acquittal. She remained on Trump’s legal team in 2020, supporting his contested claims of voter fraud during the presidential election.

Bondi has also served on Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission and currently leads the legal division of the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded by former Trump administration officials.

Her nomination signals Trump’s continued reliance on trusted allies as he shapes his administration.