President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that Pam Bondi is out as attorney general. Sources indicate the president’s growing frustration over Bondi’s slow pace in pursuing indictments against Democrats for alleged “lawfare” contributed to her ouster.
Trump stated that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said: “Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year. Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900.”
Trump concluded his statement by adding: “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. Our Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General.”
Reports indicate Trump has considered replacing Bondi with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Multiple sources state that Trump has not made a final decision but has floated Zeldin as a potential successor alongside other candidates. Zeldin, a former New York congressman and longtime Trump ally, is widely seen as a loyal figure who has advanced the president’s “energy dominance” agenda at the EPA.
Trump recently discussed the possibility of removing Bondi with allies and spoke directly with her on Wednesday. One source described the conversation as “tough,” with Trump indicating she would soon be replaced. Sources say Bondi was told she could be offered another role, including a judicial appointment following her departure from the Justice Department.
Bondi attended Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday. The Justice Department has not publicly commented.
The president’s frustrations reportedly extend beyond prosecution pace. Sources indicate he is also dissatisfied with Bondi’s handling of matters related to Jeffrey Epstein and what he sees as insufficient action against political opponents.
Among the issues drawing Trump’s attention is a review of whether former CIA Director John Brennan made false statements to Congress regarding intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Career prosecutors in Miami have reportedly questioned the strength of the case, though it remains under review for potential charges in Washington.
