President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her role as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. The longtime Trump ally defended his administration fiercely during her tenure.
Trump praised Bondi on Truth Social and announced her transition to a private sector position. Her Justice Department leadership drew heavy scrutiny over Jeffrey Epstein file releases and the investigation into the convicted sex offender.
Bondi becomes the second recent Trump official exit after Kristi Noem’s March ousting as homeland security chief. Deputy Todd Blanche steps in as replacement. Blanche rejected media claims linking Epstein files to her dismissal.
Blanche told Fox News that Bondi made America safe again and excelled in her first year. Bondi pledged tireless work to hand over duties, calling the role a lifetime honor. She vowed to keep fighting for Trump in her new unnamed private job.
Trump defended Bondi Thursday morning but confirmed her exit hours later. Sources cited growing private frustration over her Epstein files handling. Bondi promised transparency upon her February 2025 swearing-in but faced backlash when no client list emerged.
Congress forced unclassified Epstein records public via law amid pressure, including from Trump supporters. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the department for mishandling survivor data while shielding non-victims.
