Former Attorney General Pam Bondi has been relieved of her duties by Donald Trump, as confirmed by the former president on Truth Social. Trump expressed gratitude for Bondi’s service, highlighting her role in reducing crime rates significantly during her tenure. He announced that Bondi would be transitioning to a new role in the private sector, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stepping in as the Acting Attorney General.
Speculation surrounding Bondi’s future peaked in Washington, with reports indicating that Trump informed her of the end of her leadership at the Justice Department before a recent address to the nation. Despite Bondi’s plea for an extension, she is said to have returned to Florida.
Bondi oversaw the handling of the Epstein Files during her time in the Trump administration, a matter that has been a source of frustration for Trump, who is mentioned numerous times in the files. Allegedly, Trump lost confidence in Bondi after she was summoned by a congressional committee to testify under oath regarding the probe into Epstein’s crimes, supported by members from both parties.
Although Trump’s name appears in FBI documents related to unverified allegations of child abuse, the White House dismissed the claims as unfounded. It is reported that Trump is contemplating replacing Bondi with Lee Zeldin, the current head of the Environmental Protection Agency, while Todd Blanche will serve as an interim replacement.
Zeldin, a former congressman and staunch Trump supporter, has been a vocal defender of the President, especially during his first impeachment. While reports suggest that Trump has not yet made a final decision on Bondi’s dismissal, sources indicate that he informed her that her time as Attorney General is nearing its end.
During a recent visit to the Supreme Court, Trump praised Bondi for her work, emphasizing her competency in the role. Additionally, reports from US political news website Semafor suggest that multiple sources have disclosed Trump’s intentions to conclude Bondi’s tenure as AG.