Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, the White House confirmed Thursday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general, Trump announced via his Truth Social platform.

The dismissal comes amid growing frustration from the President regarding Bondi’s handling of investigative files related to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple US media reports. Bondi had also faced criticism for allegedly withholding documents related to the Department of Justice’s sex trafficking investigations into Epstein.

“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900. We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.”

Controversy Over Epstein Files

Lawmakers from both parties had accused Bondi of mishandling the release of the Epstein files. Congress directed the release of the files in December, but the department released approximately 3 million pages while withholding another 2.5 million, citing concerns about protecting the identities of accusers and ongoing prosecutions.

Despite campaigning for the release of all federal records in the case, Bondi initially resisted releasing the files last July. This prompted accusations of a cover-up and fueled further scrutiny of her actions.

Second Cabinet Departure in Trump’s Second Term

Bondi’s departure marks the second removal of a Cabinet official during Trump’s second term. In March, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired and replaced by Markwayne Mullin, a former senator from Oklahoma.

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, thanked Bondi for her service and expressed readiness to confirm Trump’s next nominee. “Over her tenure, Pam Bondi helped bring violent crime down to historic lows,” Grassley said.

Reported Frustration with Lack of Cases Against Political Opponents

Sources cited by NBC News reported that Trump had also grown frustrated with Bondi for not pursuing more cases against his political opponents. This dissatisfaction reportedly contributed to the decision to remove her from office.

Bondi and Trump attended a Supreme Court hearing together on Wednesday, just prior to the announcement of her dismissal. She was reportedly on her way back to Florida when the news broke.