Leaked Video Allegedly Shows Senator Adam Schiff Asleep During Attorney General Confirmation Hearing
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has become the subject of heated discussion following the release of a leaked video that seemingly shows him dozing off during the high-profile confirmation hearing for Attorney General-designate Pam Bondi. The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, depicts Schiff with his head tilted and eyes closed while Bondi responds to rigorous questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from political opponents and reigniting scrutiny of Schiff, who has faced mounting challenges since his censure by Congress last year. Critics have labeled the incident another embarrassment for the California senator, while his supporters have called the accusations exaggerated and opportunistic.
A Heated Confirmation Hearing
The hearing for Bondi, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, was already marked by contentious exchanges. The former Florida Attorney General faced pointed questions regarding her stance on presidential pardons, her preparedness to oversee the Department of Justice, and her potential role in politically sensitive investigations.
Early in the proceedings, Schiff pressed Bondi on whether she would advise the President to avoid issuing blanket pardons, asking:
“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’?”
Bondi responded with composure:
“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.”
When Schiff questioned her ability to immediately assess numerous cases upon taking office, Bondi replied:
“I will review every file I am requested to examine. I will not mislead this body, nor you.”
The tension escalated when Bondi referenced Schiff’s censure by Congress, saying:
“You were censured by Congress, Senator, for comments just like this that are so reckless!”
Schiff’s Controversial Interrogation
During the hearing, Schiff also attempted to draw Bondi into a broader investigation related to former Rep. Liz Cheney, asking whether she had a “factual predicate” to investigate Cheney, who has been accused of witness tampering during her tenure on the January 6 Committee. Bondi dismissed the question, stating:
“Senator, no one has asked me to investigate.”
Bondi’s nomination has come under scrutiny due to her predecessor, Matt Gaetz, withdrawing his candidacy amid controversy. However, Bondi has garnered significant support from over 100 former Justice Department officials, who have praised her tough-on-crime stance and her leadership in Florida.
The Alleged Incident
The leaked video of Schiff seemingly dozing during the hearing has sparked outrage among his detractors. While it is unclear whether Schiff was genuinely asleep or simply resting his eyes during a lull, the video has added fuel to existing criticisms of the senator’s conduct and leadership.
Conservative commentators and Republican leaders quickly seized on the footage. Some criticized Schiff for appearing disengaged during such an important moment, while others used the incident to underscore their broader critiques of his record.
One political analyst remarked:
“This is not just about the optics of falling asleep during a hearing. It speaks to a larger issue of focus and accountability in leadership.”
Schiff’s Political Challenges
The incident comes at a time when Schiff is already under intense political pressure. In 2023, the Republican-controlled House voted to censure him for his handling of investigations into former President Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. Schiff has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the censure a politically motivated attack.
His Senate campaign has also faced criticism from progressive organizations, who argue that his heavy spending in the primary has marginalized more progressive candidates. Additionally, Trump has made Schiff a frequent target during the 2024 election cycle, referring to him as an “enemy from within.”
Public Reaction
The video has generated polarized reactions across social media. Critics accuse Schiff of failing to take his responsibilities seriously, while supporters argue that the focus on the footage is an unnecessary distraction from the substantive issues raised during the hearing.
One user commented:
“How can someone be trusted to serve in the Senate when they can’t stay awake during a crucial hearing?”
Another defended Schiff, writing:
“This is nothing more than political theater. He’s been under attack for years, and now they’re using a short clip to undermine him further.”
Bondi’s Poised Performance
Despite the controversy surrounding the video, Bondi’s performance during the hearing has drawn praise from her supporters. Her composure under pressure and her ability to deflect partisan attacks were highlighted as strengths.
Bondi’s supporters have pointed to her track record in Florida, where she led significant efforts against human trafficking and fraud. Her nomination follows the withdrawal of Trump’s initial nominee, Matt Gaetz, and she has since received endorsements from prominent legal figures and former Justice Department officials.
A Moment That Resonates
The alleged moment of Schiff dozing off during Bondi’s confirmation hearing has reignited debates about accountability and focus among elected officials. While the incident itself may seem minor, it has served as a flashpoint for broader criticisms of Schiff’s record and leadership style.
As Bondi moves closer to confirmation, and Schiff continues to navigate the challenges of his Senate campaign, this incident highlights the high stakes of public service in an era where every moment is subject to scrutiny. Whether seen as a lapse in judgment or an overblown controversy, the leaked video serves as a reminder of the intense pressures faced by those in the political spotlight.
LEAKED VIDEO: Senator Adam Schiff falls asleep LIVE at Pam Bondi hearing in latest humiliation for the state of California
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 15, 2025
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