WASHINGTON (Realist English). US President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting head of the Department of Justice.
The decision, announced Thursday on Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes amid growing criticism of Bondi’s performance, particularly her handling of files related to financier Jeffrey Epstein and the lack of successful prosecutions against figures viewed by Trump as political adversaries.
“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend,” Trump said, adding that she would move to a new role in the private sector. No timeline for a permanent replacement was immediately confirmed.
According to US media reports, including The New York Times, the president is considering appointing Lee Zeldin, currently head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as the next attorney general.
Bondi, a long-time Trump ally, had faced mounting pressure from both supporters and critics. Her handling of documents linked to Epstein — who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges — became a focal point of political controversy, with critics accusing the Justice Department of lacking transparency.
She also reportedly fell short of expectations within the administration for pursuing legal cases against high-profile figures such as former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The appointment of Blanche, who previously served as one of Trump’s personal defence lawyers in multiple criminal cases, underscores the president’s preference for trusted legal allies within key positions of the justice system.
The move drew sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren called Bondi’s tenure “a cesspool of corruption,” while Senator Mark Warner said the handling of Epstein-related materials had “undermined trust in our justice system.”
Bondi’s dismissal follows a broader reshuffle within the administration. Last month, Trump removed Kristi Noem from her post as secretary of homeland security.
Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, had been closely aligned with Trump since his first presidency, including defending him during his impeachment trial and supporting his claims of election irregularities in 2020.
The reshuffle highlights ongoing tensions within the administration over legal strategy and political priorities. It also raises questions about the independence of the Justice Department as Trump continues to consolidate control over key institutions ahead of upcoming electoral and policy battles.