U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, ending a turbulent tenure marked by political controversy, internal tensions and mounting scrutiny over key investigations.
Trump confirmed the decision on Thursday, announcing that Bondi would leave government to take up a role in the private sector, while Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche would step in as acting attorney general.
Donald Trump was full of praise for Pam Bondi in a post announcing her firing, saying she did a “tremendous job” overseeing a crackdown on crime and was a “loyal friend” and “patriot”.”
But her dismissal did not come as a surprise to those closely watching the White House.
The president’s frustration had been growing with her leadership at the justice department – particularly over her handling of the Epstein files which have become a reputational liability for the administration.
The US House of Representatives’ main investigative committee recently legally compelled her to testify about her department’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump has often demanded unrestricted control of the justice department to pursue investigations into targets of his choosing, even when he was warned there was no evidence to do so.
He addressed that directly in a post directed at Bondi – saying the delays in those cases were “killing our reputation and credibility”.
In an online statement, Bondi says she will work towards transitioning the office to her deputy and that she is excited about her new role in the private sector. She did not disclose details about her future role but said she would continue supporting Trump and his administration in her new capacity.
“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history.”
