‘Great American patriot’: Trump fires Pam Bondi as US Attorney General in major reshuffle

WASHINGTON: In a major administrative reshuffle, US President Donald Trump has announced the departure of Pam Bondi from her role as Attorney General. Moving swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum at the Department of Justice, the President confirmed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will step in to lead the agency, as he “will serve as acting attorney general” for the interim period.

The announcement, shared via Truth Social, indicated a sudden but cordial exit for the top law enforcement official. Trump noted that Bondi will be “transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector”, though he stopped short of providing a detailed explanation for the timing of the transition or a specific reason for her departure from the cabinet.

Despite the move, the President was effusive in his praise for Bondi’s tenure, framing her exit as the conclusion of a successful chapter in his administration’s law enforcement strategy. He lauded her dedication to his domestic agenda, describing her as a steadfast ally in the capital.

“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 wrote.

BREAKING — IT’S OFFICIAL: President Trump confirms Pam Bondi is OUT as Attorney General, Deputy AG Todd Blanche is stepping in for now

“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… pic.twitter.com/yJBx3yBFXi

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 2, 2026

However, beneath this public display of support, a significant shake-up within the American executive branch was unfolding. Sources informing CNN suggest that the President had actually become increasingly dissatisfied with Bondi’s performance on several fronts. This removal follows reports of friction regarding her management of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and a perceived failure to aggressively investigate or prosecute his political rivals.

Bondi’s departure marks the second high-profile Cabinet exit in a month, following the removal of Kristi Noem from the Department of Homeland Security. According to CNN, one source indicated that the President’s confidence in reshuffling his top team grew after he felt the previous dismissal went smoothly.

The decision to oust Bondi was reportedly the result of days of internal deliberations. Sources told CNN that Trump engaged in a conversation with Bondi on Wednesday that was described as “tough”, during which he indicated she was not long for her role and he will be replacing her in the near future.

While the President publicly suggested Bondi will move to the private sector, CNN was told by a source that she does not currently have another role lined up. This remains the case despite initial discussions suggesting she might be appointed as a judge following her exit.

The friction between the White House and the Justice Department had persisted for some time, despite Bondi’s efforts to advance the administration’s agenda. While the department secured indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, these cases were eventually dismissed after a judge ruled that the prosecutor was illegally serving.

Tensions also simmered over an investigation into whether former CIA Director John Brennan provided false statements to Congress. Although career prosecutors in Miami reportedly do not view the case as strong, Bondi recently summoned a lead prosecutor to Washington to address concerns that the investigation was being slow-walked.

This meeting was seen by some within the department as a final attempt to demonstrate her commitment to the President’s priorities. Yet, internal frustration continued to centre on Bondi’s public comments regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Members of Trump’s inner circle were reportedly aggrieved by her claim in a February 2025 interview that a client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review”, only for the department to later clarify that no such specific list existed. Bondi subsequently maintained she was referring to general investigative paperwork, such as flight logs, rather than a specific list of names.

As the administration looks forward, CNN reports that Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin is being considered as a permanent successor. In the interim, Todd Blanche has assumed leadership. Blanche, who previously represented Trump in various legal matters, praised his predecessor on X, stating, “Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction, and I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship.”

Bondi’s challenges are not limited to her exit from the administration, as she remains entangled in congressional scrutiny. She currently faces a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein matter.

While Chairman James Comer suggested he “personally don’t see any reason for her to do a deposition”, Representative Nancy Mace has insisted the subpoena still stands. Notably, Bondi had recently increased her personal appearances alongside the President, attending Supreme Court arguments with him just this Wednesday, a move that contrasts with the traditional tendency of officials to distance themselves when facing presidential disfavour. (ANI)