The nation’s largest private prison company, the GEO Group, has experienced a surge in its stock value following Donald Trump’s election as investors anticipate new contracts related to mass deportation.
Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi, previously worked as a lobbyist for GEO Group and other corporate clients like Amazon. Amazon is currently facing antitrust issues with the government.
Bondi’s nomination comes shortly after another Trump loyalist, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration amidst allegations. Bondi’s history as a lobbyist for various clients, including the Qatari government, General Motors, and the Florida Sheriffs Association, may complicate her confirmation process.
Critics are concerned about the close ties between politics and lobbying, with Bondi’s work emblematic of corporate influence in government decision-making.
In 2019, Bondi was part of a lobbying team representing GEO Group’s interests in immigration policy. The company stands to benefit significantly from Trump’s proposed deportation plans, potentially earning an additional $400 million in revenue annually.
While the exact nature of Bondi’s work for GEO Group is not fully disclosed, the company’s lobbyists focus on public-private partnerships in correctional services without taking a stance on immigration or criminal justice policies.
Bondi’s past work with tech giants like Amazon and Uber may offer insights into her approach to antitrust issues currently under scrutiny by the Biden administration.
Despite concerns about Gaetz’s qualifications, some progressives saw potential in his pro-antitrust stance, which aligns with the Department of Justice’s efforts to address monopolistic practices in big corporations.
As the DOJ continues its antitrust enforcement efforts against companies like Apple, Google, and Live Nation-Ticketmaster, Bondi’s ties to Amazon, facing its own antitrust lawsuit, raise questions about her role in defending corporate interests.
White House officials downplayed any conflict of interest concerns when Bondi was involved in Trump’s impeachment defense in 2019, emphasizing her role in providing legal counsel rather than lobbying.
As Bondi’s nomination moves forward, questions remain about her potential influence on key issues like immigration, criminal justice, and antitrust policies.
