Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche as Acting DOJ Chief
Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche as Acting DOJ Chief
Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche as Acting DOJ Chief
President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed his former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, as acting head of the Department of Justice.
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The decision, announced Thursday via social media, comes amid mounting criticism over Bondi’s handling of sensitive cases, including files linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and her failure to secure prosecutions against some of Trump’s perceived political opponents.
In his statement, Trump praised Bondi as a “great American patriot” who had overseen a significant crackdown on crime, adding that she would transition to a new role in the private sector.
Bondi, a longtime ally of the president, had faced backlash from both critics and some of Trump’s supporters over delays and controversies surrounding the release of Epstein-related documents. The issue has remained politically sensitive, given Trump’s past association with Epstein.
She was also reportedly under pressure for unsuccessful efforts to prosecute figures such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
According to reports, Trump may consider appointing Lee Zeldin, currently head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a permanent replacement.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers welcomed Bondi’s removal. Senator Elizabeth Warren described the move as overdue, accusing her of politicising the Justice Department, while Senator Mark Warner criticised her handling of the Epstein case, saying it undermined public trust.
Bondi, who previously served as Florida’s attorney general, played a prominent role in Trump’s legal defence during his first impeachment trial and remained a vocal supporter throughout his political career.
Her removal marks the latest in a series of high-level changes within the administration, coming weeks after Trump also dismissed former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche as Acting DOJ Chief
