President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Attorney General Pam Bondi will be leaving her position at the Department of Justice.
In a social media announcement, Trump designated Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to take over as acting attorney general. However, sources close to the situation indicate the president has privately considered Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for the permanent appointment.
Bondi’s departure concludes a turbulent period during which the Trump loyalist dramatically altered the Justice Department’s traditional independence from White House influence, implemented widespread dismissals of longtime department staff, and pursued investigations targeting the president’s political opponents.
Following his appointment, Blanche expressed gratitude on social media platform X, stating: “Thank you to President Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General.” He praised Bondi for leading the department with “strength and conviction.”
“We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe,” Blanche added in his statement.
Blanche brings extensive legal experience to the role, having previously served as a federal prosecutor before representing Trump as his criminal defense lawyer in two cases filed by the Justice Department during President Joe Biden’s term. He also played a crucial role defending the president in the New York hush money prosecution and was promoted to deputy attorney general under Bondi’s leadership last year.
Trump praised his outgoing attorney general in his Truth Social announcement, describing Bondi as a “loyal friend” and adding: “We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector.”
The personnel change drew immediate reaction from Capitol Hill, with Republican Representative Nancy Mace welcoming the news. “I welcome it,” Mace declared in response to earlier speculation about Bondi’s potential removal.
“Bondi handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and seriously undermined President Trump,” Mace stated, referencing her ongoing criticism of the department’s management of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
Bondi’s tenure faced mounting pressure over several controversial issues, particularly the Justice Department’s management of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case, which generated significant criticism from conservative allies despite her close ties to Trump. She also encountered difficulties fulfilling Trump’s expectations regarding prosecutions of political adversaries, with courts and grand juries rejecting multiple investigations.
The former Florida attorney general initially promised upon taking office that politics would not influence Justice Department operations. However, she quickly launched investigations into Trump’s opponents, prompting widespread criticism that the law enforcement agency had become a vehicle for advancing the president’s personal and political interests.
