US President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position following growing dissatisfaction with her performance, a White House official confirmed on Thursday.
Trump was reportedly frustrated with Bondi’s handling of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as her perceived slow pace in pursuing legal action against his political critics and adversaries.
In a social media post, Trump praised Bondi as a “great American patriot and a loyal friend,” stating that she will transition to the private sector. He also announced that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—his former personal lawyer—will temporarily lead the Department of Justice.
During her tenure, Bondi strongly supported Trump’s agenda and weakened the Justice Department’s traditional independence from the White House. However, criticism over her handling of Epstein-related records became a major issue, with accusations that she mishandled or concealed key information from sex trafficking investigations.
The controversy also created political challenges for Trump and renewed scrutiny of his past association with Epstein, which he says ended many years ago.
Bondi’s removal may lead to strategic changes within the DOJ, including a possible renewed effort to use the legal system against Trump’s opponents.
She is the second senior official removed recently, following the dismissal of Kristi Noem on March 5.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, defended her actions by claiming the administration had been more transparent about Epstein files than previous governments. Still, she faced backlash over the dismissal of career prosecutors and accusations of undermining impartial justice.
The issue intensified after lawmakers criticized redactions in released documents and the handling of victims’ identities. Bondi had been scheduled to testify before Congress on April 14 after being subpoenaed by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee.
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