Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has found himself at the center of a viral controversy following the emergence of a leaked video that seemingly depicts him dozing off during the crucial confirmation hearing for Attorney General-designate Pam Bondi.
The video, which appeared online on Wednesday, shows Schiff with his head tilted and eyes shut while Bondi faces rigorous questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Critics swiftly seized upon this moment, labeling it yet another embarrassment for the California senator, who has been under increasing scrutiny since his censure by Congress last year.
The day commenced with a heated exchange between Bondi, the President-elect Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, and Schiff. The former Florida Attorney General was interrogated regarding her stance on presidential pardons, potential investigations, and her preparedness to assume the nation’s top law enforcement position.
“Will your advice to the President be: ‘No, Mr. President. I need to evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. Do not issue blanket pardons’?” Schiff inquired.
“Senator, I have not reviewed any of those files. If confirmed, I will examine the files related to the pardons as well as the ongoing investigation,” Bondi responded, maintaining her composure throughout the exchange.
When Schiff questioned her capacity to assess numerous cases immediately upon taking office, Bondi was direct: “I will review every file I am requested to examine. I will not mislead this body, nor you.” The discussion took a sharp turn when Bondi brought up Schiff’s censure by Congress. “You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments just like this that are so reckless!”
The hearing also featured Schiff attempting to involve Bondi in a contentious investigation concerning former Rep. Liz Cheney. Schiff queried whether Bondi possessed a “factual predicate” to investigate Cheney, who has been accused of witness tampering during her tenure on the January 6 Committee.
Bondi declined to engage with the insinuation. “Senator, no one has asked me to investigate.”
Bondi’s nomination follows the withdrawal of President-elect Trump’s initial choice, Matt Gaetz, who stepped down amid controversy. Bondi, recognized for her strong stance on crime, has garnered support from over 100 former officials of the Justice Department, who commend her dedication to the rule of law and her established track record in Florida.
Schiff has encountered persistent criticism throughout his political career. In 2023, the Republican-controlled House voted to censure him for purported misconduct related to investigations into Trump’s connections with Russia. Schiff has refuted these allegations, describing them as defamatory. During his Senate campaign, progressive organizations expressed discontent over his substantial spending in the primary, arguing that it marginalized more progressive candidates. Furthermore, Trump has consistently targeted Schiff, branding him an “enemy from within” during the 2024 election cycle.