NEWS

Trump rewards ex-Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi with prestigious board seat

Christine Stapleton
Palm Beach Post
Florida's former Attorney General, Pam Bondi, introduced Lara Trump at a Palm Beach Gardens rally for President Donald Trump on Nov. 2, 2020.

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is among the latest batch of Trump devotees rewarded for their loyalty with positions on government advisory boards and commissions.

Bondi, a member of Trump's legal team during his impeachment trial and speaker at the Republican National Convention, will become a member of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Board of Trustees.

Also appointed to the Kennedy Center board on Tuesday was Paolo Zampolli, head of a modeling agency in the 1990s who introduced Donald Trump to his future wife, Melania, in 1998

Earlier this month, Trump gave seats on the board to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and fashion designer Pamella DeVos, sister-in-law of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Such positions are highly sought after and are often used by outgoing presidents as a recognition for their support. Tuesday's list included 42 loyalists.

Other Floridians who picked up appointments on Tuesday include Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The outspoken sheriff made headlines in October when a reporter asked why he and his staff do not wear masks. Judd responded: “When President Trump comes here, he don’t have to wear a mask either.”

Judd was appointed to be a ember of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 

Alexander Gray, a member of Trump's presidential transition team who became Deputy Director for the Defense Industrial Base, was appointed to be a member of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy. 

Dr. Peter Lamelas of Manalapan, a prominent donor to the GOP and Republican candidates and causes, was appointed to be a member of the Medal of Valor Review Board.