Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has dismissed Pam Bondi from her position as attorney general, marking a significant leadership change at the Justice Department.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Bondi as a dedicated ally and credited her with overseeing a broad crackdown on crime, pointing to what he described as historically low murder rates during her tenure. He added that she will be transitioning into a new role in the private sector, with further details to be revealed in the near future.
Trump also named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general, calling him a highly capable and respected legal figure. The Justice Department has not issued an official response to the announcement.
Bondi, known for her strong defense of the president, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months, particularly over her handling of matters tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Early in her tenure, she drew criticism from some supporters after organizing a White House discussion on Epstein-related files that largely resulted in the release of already public information.
She later suggested that a list of Epstein’s associates was in her possession, but the Justice Department soon clarified that no such list had been verified, reiterating its conclusion that Epstein died by suicide.
The controversy also prompted criticism from within the administration. Susie Wiles previously indicated that the situation had not been handled effectively, suggesting it failed to resonate with those most concerned about the issue.
Beyond that, Bondi’s tenure included several legal setbacks, as prosecutors were unable to secure convictions in a number of high-profile cases involving individuals viewed as political opponents of Trump.
The issue has also gained traction on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties have launched an investigation into the handling of Epstein-related materials. The House Oversight Committee recently voted to subpoena Bondi, with backing from several Republicans, highlighting growing bipartisan interest in the matter.
