US President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi - a longtime ally and fierce defender of his administration - from her post as America's top law enforcement officer. Trump praised her in a post on Truth Social and said she would be transitioning to a role in the private sector. Bondi's time leading the justice department was often overshadowed by its handling of the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein and its investigation into the convicted sex offender.
She is the second Trump administration official in recent weeks to be cut from her post, after Kristi Noem was ousted as homeland security chief in March. Bondi will be replaced by her former deputy, Todd Blanche. Bondi said she would be working tirelessly to transfer her work to Blanche, adding that the job had been the honor of a lifetime.
Bondi added that in her new private sector position - which she did not identify - she would continue fighting for President Trump and this administration. The announcement comes less than two months after a combative congressional hearing where Bondi faced aggressive questioning from lawmakers.
As recently as Thursday morning, Trump defended Bondi, describing her as a wonderful person. However, he later confirmed her departure on Truth Social, noting her new role would be announced at a date in the near future. Trump's frustrations stemmed particularly from Bondi's management of the Epstein files, which was a significant point of contention throughout her tenure.
During her leadership, the justice department has faced scrutiny, especially regarding the failed promise to release information related to Epstein's high-profile case. Lawmakers have accused the department of not sufficiently releasing important documents and information on the victims, leading to a bipartisan backlash.
Despite complaints from survivors of Epstein's abuse and criticisms from both sides of the political aisle, some allies praised Bondi's efforts. Critics, however, celebrated her departure as they urged for more decisive actions regarding the Epstein investigation and accountability for those involved in the scandal.
She is the second Trump administration official in recent weeks to be cut from her post, after Kristi Noem was ousted as homeland security chief in March. Bondi will be replaced by her former deputy, Todd Blanche. Bondi said she would be working tirelessly to transfer her work to Blanche, adding that the job had been the honor of a lifetime.
Bondi added that in her new private sector position - which she did not identify - she would continue fighting for President Trump and this administration. The announcement comes less than two months after a combative congressional hearing where Bondi faced aggressive questioning from lawmakers.
As recently as Thursday morning, Trump defended Bondi, describing her as a wonderful person. However, he later confirmed her departure on Truth Social, noting her new role would be announced at a date in the near future. Trump's frustrations stemmed particularly from Bondi's management of the Epstein files, which was a significant point of contention throughout her tenure.
During her leadership, the justice department has faced scrutiny, especially regarding the failed promise to release information related to Epstein's high-profile case. Lawmakers have accused the department of not sufficiently releasing important documents and information on the victims, leading to a bipartisan backlash.
Despite complaints from survivors of Epstein's abuse and criticisms from both sides of the political aisle, some allies praised Bondi's efforts. Critics, however, celebrated her departure as they urged for more decisive actions regarding the Epstein investigation and accountability for those involved in the scandal.
