Donald Trump has fired Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, dismissing a loyalist who reshaped the justice department but failed to satisfy a president fixated on prosecuting political enemies and frustrated with the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Bondi is a 'Great American Patriot' and praised her work on crime reduction, but announced she would transition to a private sector role. Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, will serve as acting attorney general, with Lee Zeldin reportedly a top contender to replace her.
During her 14 months in office, Bondi oversaw a purge of career justice department staff, shifted focus to immigration cases, and complied with Trump's demand to prosecute his personal enemies, including indictments against James Comey and Letitia James. She also faced criticism over her handling of the Epstein files, which became a political liability.
Democrats insist Bondi must still testify before Congress. House oversight committee ranking member Robert Garcia said her firing does not exempt her from a scheduled subpoena. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer responded with 'good riddance', blaming Trump for the justice department's problems.
Bondi is the second cabinet secretary ousted in recent weeks, following the dismissal of homeland security head Kristi Noem after a contentious Senate hearing.
