Donald Trump on Thursday fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, reportedly due to her performance, particularly her handling of the Epstein files.
According to Reuters, Trump was also disappointed in Bondi’s inability to prosecute his political foes, despite the fact that the courts have found several of the attempts without merit or procedurally problematic.
In the interim, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will lead the Department of Justice. Blanche was one of Trump’s personal attorneys at one point.
Trump announced the termination and interim placement in a post on his social platform Truth Social.
He called Bondi a “Great American Patriot and a loyal friend” and claimed she spearheaded a large crackdown in crime. He also said that Bondi would be moving into a position in the private sector.
Blanche also posted thanking Trump and reaffirming what he deems the position of the Justice Department.
“We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep American safe,” Blanche said.
Bondi was a Trump’s champion during her tenure. She supported his agenda and embraced the department’s loss of independence from the administration, particularly with investigations.
But, the death knell for Bondi’s tenure was the release of the Epstein files.
She was accused by both Republicans and Democrats of mismanaging the release and covering up pertinent information about the records.
Trump reportedly told Bondi on Wednesday that he planned to replace her. According to a senior White House official who spoke to Reuters, Trump had spoken with the former AG several times over the past several months about his dissatisfaction over her performance.
The administration is considering Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be her replacement, but nothing is confirmed.
