WASHINGTON, United States — Donald Trump has dismissed Pam Bondi as attorney general, appointing Todd Blanche to serve as acting head of the Justice Department.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with Mr Trump stating that Ms Bondi would be leaving government to take up a role in the private sector.
“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,” Mr Trump wrote.
Leadership Transition
Mr Blanche, who had been serving as deputy attorney general, will temporarily lead the Justice Department while a permanent replacement is considered.
Ms Bondi said she would assist with the transition over the coming weeks before departing.
“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honour of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history,” she wrote.
“I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again.”
Internal Pressures and Investigations
People familiar with the matter said Mr Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with Ms Bondi’s performance, including her handling of issues related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the pace of certain prosecutions.
The Justice Department had pursued cases involving figures such as James Comey and Letitia James, though both cases were later dismissed after a judge ruled the prosecutor involved was not properly appointed.
One recent focus of attention involved an inquiry into whether John Brennan made false statements to Congress regarding an intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Mr Trump is considering several candidates to replace Ms Bondi, including Lee Zeldin, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Mr Zeldin did not respond to questions about the possibility during a public appearance on Thursday.
Congressional Scrutiny
Ms Bondi had faced scrutiny from lawmakers, including a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee related to her handling of the Epstein investigation.
Republican Representative James Comer said he would consult with colleagues on the next steps following her departure, while Representative Nancy Mace said the subpoena remained in effect.
Broader Context
Ms Bondi is the second Cabinet-level official to be removed in recent weeks, following the dismissal of Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials said the process of confirming a new attorney general could take time, as any nominee would need approval from the Senate.
The leadership change comes amid ongoing political and legal tensions surrounding the Justice Department and its role in high-profile investigations.
