President Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General, ending a tumultuous tenure marked by controversy over the Department of Justice’s handling of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Trump praised Bondi as “a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend” who “faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year.” He credited her with contributing to a “massive crackdown on crime,” citing falling murder rates, and announced that she would be “transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector,” with details to be revealed soon.
Trump confirmed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will immediately step in as acting Attorney General. He described Blanche, a former personal attorney, as “a very talented and respected legal mind.”
Bondi, a longtime Trump ally and former Florida Attorney General, responded with a gracious statement. She said she would “work tirelessly” over the next month to ensure a smooth transition to Blanche, calling her time as Attorney General “the honour of a lifetime.” She added that she was “thrilled” about her upcoming private-sector role and would “continue fighting for President Trump and this administration.”
Bondi’s time at the Justice Department was frequently overshadowed by criticism of the DOJ’s management of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Lawmakers and critics questioned the pace and transparency of document releases, with some accusing the department of insufficient disclosure or political influence.
Her leadership also faced scrutiny over the handling of politically sensitive investigations. These issues culminated in a contentious congressional hearing where Bondi faced sharp questioning, including heated exchanges with lawmakers.
The announcement marks the second high-profile cabinet-level departure in recent weeks. In March 2026, Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Todd Blanche, who served as one of Trump’s defense attorneys before being appointed Deputy Attorney General, now assumes day-to-day leadership of the Justice Department on an acting basis. It remains unclear whether Trump intends to nominate Blanche permanently or select another candidate.
The move comes despite Trump’s public defense of Bondi as recently as Thursday morning, when he described her as “a wonderful person” who was “doing a good job.”
This latest shake-up highlights the turbulence within the Trump administration’s top law enforcement ranks and raises questions about the direction of the Department of Justice moving forward, particularly regarding high-profile cases and transparency issues.
The White House has not yet provided additional details on Bondi’s future private-sector position or a timeline for a permanent replacement.
