President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, ending a turbulent tenure that reshaped the Justice Department and drew intense political scrutiny.
Trump announced the decision in a social media post, praising Bondi while confirming her departure. He wrote that she was a “Great American Patriot” who would move into a private-sector role.
Bondi, a longtime ally of the president, had served for roughly 14 months after taking office in early 2025. Her tenure was marked by sweeping changes inside the Department of Justice and a focus on cases involving Trump’s political opponents.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. Several names, including Lee Zeldin, have emerged as possible permanent replacements.
Controversy and mounting pressure
Bondi’s dismissal follows months of criticism from lawmakers and legal observers. Her handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein drew bipartisan backlash and congressional scrutiny.
She had also faced questions over the Justice Department’s independence. Critics argued that prosecutions targeting Trump’s political rivals blurred traditional boundaries between law enforcement and politics.
Some of those cases failed to advance in court, adding to frustration within the administration. Reports indicated Trump grew dissatisfied with the pace and outcomes of those efforts.
Bondi is still expected to face questions from Congress. Lawmakers have said her departure does not remove her obligation to testify under subpoena regarding the Epstein matter.
A sudden end to a loyal tenure
Despite the criticism, Trump publicly emphasized Bondi’s loyalty and achievements. In his statement, he credited her with leading a broad anti-crime effort and said she “faithfully served” the administration.
Bondi responded by expressing gratitude for her time in office. She called the role “the honor of a lifetime” and signaled she would continue supporting Trump in a new capacity.
Her firing comes amid broader turnover in Trump’s cabinet. It follows the recent removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and signals continued changes within the administration’s leadership.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was sworn in as the nation’s top law enforcement official in February 2025. From the outset, she pursued an agenda closely aligned with Trump’s political priorities.