U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi following months of strained relations, appointing his former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, as acting head of the Justice Department.
The decision, announced via social media, comes amid mounting criticism of Bondi’s handling of sensitive cases, including the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and unsuccessful efforts to prosecute perceived political opponents of the president.
In his statement, Trump praised Bondi as a “great American patriot” who oversaw a significant crackdown on crime, adding that she would transition to a role in the private sector.
Bondi, a longtime ally of the president, had faced backlash from some supporters over the Justice Department’s approach to the Epstein case, which has remained politically contentious. The issue has also drawn attention due to Trump’s past association with Epstein.
She was also reportedly under pressure for failing to secure prosecutions against figures such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
According to reports, Trump is considering Lee Zeldin, current head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a potential permanent replacement.
In a statement on X, Bondi described her tenure as “the honor of a lifetime” and pledged continued support for the president, while confirming she would assist in the transition to Blanche.
Her removal follows the recent dismissal of Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Democratic lawmakers were critical of Bondi’s tenure. Senator Elizabeth Warren accused her of blocking the release of Epstein-related files, while Senator Dick Durbin alleged the Justice Department had been politicised under her leadership.
Bondi previously served on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial, linked to his dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. She also supported Trump’s claims of voter fraud following his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.
