Donald Trump has been accused of running a "misogynistic administration" after Pam Bondi became the second woman to be fired from a cabinet already dominated by men. The US president dismissed the attorney general yesterday amid mounting frustration with her performance, particularly over the release of files relating to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The move came less than a month after Trump ousted Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary following criticism of her management of the department and immigration enforcement. Bondi, in a statement, said she was "thrilled" about "moving to an important private-sector role".
Trump said Todd Blanche, Bondi's deputy, would serve as acting attorney general. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman who now leads the Environmental Protection Agency, is said to be a top contender to replace Bondi.
The firings have drawn criticism given that male officials embroiled in scandals have retained their positions. Bondi and Noem were the only two women in Trump's cabinet, prompting accusations of a misogynistic approach to governance.
