Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will now serve as Acting Attorney General.
According to the source, Trump had discussed the possibility of removing Bondi with senior members of his team. On Wednesday, ahead of his national address regarding the Iran conflict, he reportedly informed Bondi directly that he intended to replace her.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump wrote that Pam Bondi is “a great American patriot and a loyal friend” who served with dedication over the past year. He credited her with taking strong action against crime across the country, claiming that murder rates had dropped to their lowest levels since the 1900s. He added that she would be moving to an important role in the private sector, with details to be announced soon. Trump also stated that Todd Blanche, whom he described as a highly capable and respected legal expert, would take over as Acting Attorney General.
Todd Blanche later posted on social media, praising Bondi’s leadership and expressing gratitude for her guidance and friendship. He thanked Trump for trusting him with the responsibility and affirmed that the Department of Justice would continue supporting law enforcement, upholding the law, and working to keep the country safe.
Bondi’s Role in Handling Epstein Files
Bondi had been a central legal figure in the administration, particularly during the ongoing developments surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case. The repeated releases of Epstein-related documents and related legal disputes kept her in the spotlight.
Reports suggest that Trump grew frustrated with Bondi, partly because she was not seen as aggressive enough in targeting his political opponents. Another possible factor was her handling of Epstein-related files, as her statements about the documents sometimes differed from those of other administration officials, including Trump.
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Department of Justice for releasing only partially redacted Epstein documents. Some members of Congress have even alleged that high-ranking officials may be protecting Epstein’s associates.
Bondi is scheduled to testify later this month on Capitol Hill. The House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena her as part of its investigation into how the Department of Justice handled the Epstein case.
Additional Political Context
Blanche, who previously served as the second-highest-ranking official in the Justice Department, recently told NewsNation that he does not believe Trump supporters feel misled by Bondi or the DOJ. He argued that the controversy is largely being driven by certain Democrats, along with a few senators and Republicans, rather than the broader MAGA base.
Bondi’s removal marks the second time in recent months that a cabinet-level official has been reassigned or removed under Trump. Earlier, Kristi Noem was shifted from her role as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to serve as “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” following criticism over her management of the department and its funds.
