US President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post, marking another high-profile departure from his administration. Bondi, a longtime ally and staunch defender of Trump, will now transition into a role in the private sector, according to the president.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Bondi’s tenure, describing her as a “wonderful person” who had done a “tremendous job” leading the Department of Justice. He added that details of her next position would be announced soon. Despite the public show of support, her sudden exit comes amid mounting scrutiny over her handling of several controversial issues, particularly the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Bondi, who took office in early 2025, had promised transparency in the Epstein case, including the potential release of a list of alleged associates. However, the Department of Justice later stated that no such list existed, sparking backlash from both Republicans and Democrats. When millions of documents were eventually released following congressional pressure, critics argued that the process was mishandled, with concerns raised about the protection of victims’ identities and the lack of accountability for powerful individuals linked to the case.
Her leadership was further tested during a tense congressional hearing earlier this year, where she clashed with lawmakers in what became a highly publicised and combative exchange. At one point, Bondi insulted a Democratic lawmaker, escalating tensions and drawing criticism over her conduct. The hearing underscored growing frustration in Washington over the justice department’s direction under her leadership.
Trump’s decision to remove Bondi comes less than two months after he publicly defended her performance, highlighting the often unpredictable nature of his administration. Reports suggest that behind the scenes, the president had become increasingly dissatisfied, particularly with how the Epstein investigation was handled and the political fallout it generated.
Bondi will be replaced by her former deputy, Todd Blanche, who is expected to take over as acting attorney general. In a statement, Blanche praised Bondi’s leadership and pledged to continue enforcing the law and supporting law enforcement agencies across the country.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers. Some Republicans expressed gratitude for Bondi’s service, while others welcomed her departure. Congressman Thomas Massie, a vocal critic, said he hoped her successor would fully comply with legal requirements to release all remaining Epstein-related documents and pursue further investigations where necessary.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna also weighed in, arguing that Congress had played a key role in holding the justice department accountable. He suggested that lawmakers should scrutinise Blanche’s appointment and ensure greater transparency moving forward.
Bondi herself described her time as attorney general as “the honour of a lifetime” and said she would work closely with Blanche to ensure a smooth transition. She also indicated that, despite moving to the private sector, she would continue to support Trump and his administration.
Her tenure was also marked by aggressive legal actions targeting several of Trump’s political opponents, including investigations into high-profile figures such as Adam Schiff, Letitia James, and James Comey. These moves drew criticism from opponents who accused the administration of politicising the justice system.
Bondi’s departure makes her the third senior official to leave Trump’s cabinet in recent months, following the earlier exits of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Despite these changes, Trump’s current administration has seen fewer high-level shake-ups compared to his first term, which was marked by frequent resignations and dismissals.
As the administration moves forward, attention will now turn to Blanche and whether he can restore confidence in the justice department while navigating the political and legal challenges that lie ahead.
