President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Fox News Digital, marking a sudden leadership change at the Department of Justice amid reported dissatisfaction with her performance.
President Trump announced the decision publicly a day later on Truth Social, praising Bondi’s record while confirming her departure. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900,” he wrote. “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.”
He said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will take over on an interim basis. “Our Deputy Attorney General, and a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General,” President Trump wrote, concluding, “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Her tenure drew scrutiny following remarks she made on Fox News last February, when she said a list of Jeffrey Epstein’s “clients” was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” White House chief of staff Susie Wiles later told Vanity Fair that Bondi “completely whiffed” the situation, adding, “there is no client list, and it sure as hell wasn’t on her desk.”
President Trump has discussed a potential replacement with Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin, including during a White House meeting Tuesday that focused on wildfire and prevention, according to a source familiar with the discussion. Another source said Zeldin is a credible contender, though no final decision has been made.
Pressure had also mounted from Trump allies, including activist Laura Loomer, to remove Bondi, the New York Post reported. Some Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SD), welcomed the move.
Bondi acknowledged her exit Thursday on X, expressing appreciation for her time in office. “Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history,” she wrote.
She added, “Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche before moving to an important private sector role I am thrilled about, and where I will continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration.”
