Donald Trump on Thursday announced the removal of Pam Bondi as attorney general, ending a contentious tenure marked by sweeping changes at the Justice Department.
Trump named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general. He also praised Bondi as a “great American patriot” and said she would move to a private-sector role.
Bondi’s tenure drew criticism for undermining the department’s traditional independence, overseeing mass firings and resignations of career officials, and launching investigations into Trump’s perceived political opponents.
Her leadership faced growing scrutiny, particularly from conservatives over the handling of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Efforts to pursue high-profile cases against figures such as James Comey and Letitia James were dismissed by courts.
Bondi defended her actions, saying she aimed to restore credibility to the department after what she described as overreach during the previous administration.
Her departure continues a pattern of instability at the Justice Department during Trump’s presidency, with multiple attorneys general leaving under pressure.