Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche Acting AG

President Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as U.S. attorney general, installing Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general. The move, confirmed by Trump in a post on Truth Social, comes amid growing dissatisfaction with Bondi’s handling of key Justice Department priorities and prosecutions of the president’s political adversaries.

Trump praised Bondi as a “Great American Patriot and a loyal friend” who will transition to a “much needed and important new job in the private sector,” with details to be announced later. Blanche expressed gratitude for Bondi’s leadership and pledged to continue supporting law enforcement and public safety.

According to multiple sources, Bondi was informed of her ouster during a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday night, prior to his national address on the war in Iran. By the time Trump spoke, Bondi was already on her way back to Florida. Blanche received a congratulatory call from the president and assumed acting leadership of the Justice Department.

Bondi’s tenure was marked by significant shifts in department priorities and staffing. Thousands of lawyers and agents departed due to firings, retirements, and resignations, often those involved in investigations disfavored by Trump and his allies. The department under Bondi focused more on immigration enforcement and narcotics trafficking, while scaling back white-collar crime and public corruption prosecutions.

Her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files drew criticism and became a political liability, even among some Trump supporters. Early missteps and controversies, including incomplete releases of investigative files and improper redactions, led to congressional pressure and a subpoena for Bondi to testify before a House panel.

Trump’s frustration reportedly grew over the lack of successful prosecutions against his perceived political opponents. Investigations into figures such as former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and others failed to result in charges, leading to disappointment within the administration. Bondi’s allies attributed some of the slow progress to Blanche’s cautious approach amid political concerns.

The Justice Department also faced criticism for eroding traditional safeguards designed to prevent political interference, with some career lawyers departing due to concerns over the department’s independence and integrity. Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney, said Bondi “took a sledgehammer to the Justice Department and its workforce,” causing damage that could take decades to repair.

Looking ahead, White House officials have discussed potential permanent replacements for Bondi, with Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin, a former congressman with limited traditional legal experience, emerging as a likely candidate. Trump met with Zeldin earlier this week.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley expressed readiness to advance the next nominee and thanked Bondi for her service, noting the department’s increased responsiveness to congressional oversight during her leadership.

Bondi, previously Florida’s attorney general, was one of the few women to serve as U.S. attorney general. She was initially chosen after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew amid controversy. Throughout her tenure, Bondi was known for her loyalty to Trump and her focus on issues such as illegal immigration, countering progressive movements, and combating government fraud. However, among career DOJ staff, she was often viewed as politically loyal to the president rather than attuned to the department’s traditional norms.

Bondi’s departure marks a significant shift in the Justice Department as it continues to navigate political pressures and ongoing investigations.