U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pam Bondi as his pick for Attorney General, following the sudden withdrawal of his initial choice, Rep. Matt Gaetz.

If confirmed by the Senate, Bondi, 59, would oversee the Department of Justice (DOJ), managing its $45 billion budget and playing a crucial role in defending Trump’s policies against legal challenges.

A seasoned political figure and longtime Trump ally, Bondi served as Florida’s first female Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, focusing on issues like opioid abuse, human trafficking, and consumer protection.

Trump praised Bondi’s qualifications in a social media post, calling her “smart and tough,” and emphasized her commitment to refocusing the DOJ on “fighting crime” and “Making America Safe Again.”

Bondi has been a prominent supporter of Trump for years, acting as part of his legal defense team during his impeachment trials and standing by him during multiple legal controversies. She is currently a chair at the conservative America First Policy Institute, where she leads its legal arm.

Bondi’s nomination is seen as a less controversial alternative to Gaetz, who withdrew after facing scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations. While Gaetz denied the claims, he expressed a desire to avoid a prolonged Washington conflict.

Bondi’s nomination has garnered praise from Republican leaders, with Senator Lindsey Graham calling it a “grand slam” choice. Bondi’s legal experience, including a long tenure as a prosecutor, positions her as a strong candidate to lead the DOJ and implement Trump’s vision of an aggressive, crime-focused department.

Despite some controversies surrounding her past, including a $25,000 donation from Trump during her re-election campaign and her past criticism of the DOJ’s legal actions against Trump, Bondi remains a staunch ally and one of the president-elect’s most vocal defenders.