By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
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President Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump publicly praised Bondi on Thursday shortly after removing her as attorney general, calling her a “Great American Patriot” and crediting her with overseeing a nationwide drop in violent crime. In a post on X, Trump said Bondi had “faithfully served” over the past year and would soon move into a new private‑sector role to be announced later.
This came before Bondi defended her record and pledged a “tireless” transition to successor Todd Blanche in a post on X, issuing a triumphant farewell message that cast her firing as a continuation of her work for Trump rather than a rebuke of her turbulent tenure.
What to Know
- Two sources say Bondi was told she was out before Trump delivered his speech Wednesday night, according to two sources who told Fox News Digital.
- One source said she was already en route back to Florida by the time Trump stepped to the podium.
- Trump is reportedly considering EPA Director Lee Zeldin as a potential replacement.
- Trump and Zeldin met at the White House on Tuesday, where the idea of a transition was discussed.
- A Justice Department spokesperson denied the reporting and said Bondi was with Trump for the speech.
- A White House source would not confirm the firing but said the information was “not cold.”
- The alleged move follows reporting that Trump had grown dissatisfied with Bondi’s performance.
- The White House pointed Fox News Digital to Trump’s previous statement defending Bondi as “doing a good job.”
- Bondi had accompanied Trump to the U.S. Supreme Court earlier Wednesday for arguments in a major birthright citizenship case.
This live blog is now closed.
Apr 02, 2026 at 05:52 PM EDT
House Oversight says Bondi must still testify despite firing
Members of the House Oversight Committee said Thursday they will continue pressing to enforce their subpoena of Pam Bondi, insisting her firing as attorney general does not shield her from testifying about the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Bondi has faced bipartisan scrutiny for months over delays, contradictions, and withheld documents tied to the Justice Department’s Epstein disclosures. Even some Republicans welcomed her removal. Rep. Nancy Mace, who forced the committee vote on the subpoena, said Bondi “handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and seriously undermined President Trump.” Mace told Axios the subpoena “still stands,” noting it was issued to Bondi personally, not to the office she held.
Democrats on the panel echoed that message. Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, said Bondi “will not escape accountability and remains legally obligated to appear before our Committee under oath.” Reps. Maxwell Frost, Suhas Subramanyam, Summer Lee, and Ro Khanna issued similar statements, with Khanna arguing Bondi must explain “why we have no new prosecutions” and why she “participated in a cover‑up.”
A spokesperson for Oversight Chair James Comer, who opposed the subpoena, offered a more cautious response, saying he will consult with GOP members and the Justice Department about “next steps” now that Bondi has been removed.
Under the subpoena’s terms, Bondi is still scheduled to sit for a deposition on April 14.
Apr 02, 2026 at 05:39 PM EDT
Conservative commentators say Bondi’s loyalty wasn’t enough as Epstein fallout grew
Prior to her firing, a debate over Pam Bondi’s ouster spilled into conservative media this week, with commentators arguing that her unwavering loyalty to President Donald Trump could not compensate for what they described as mismanagement of the Epstein files and broader failures at the Justice Department.
On her program, Megyn Kelly said she was surprised Bondi was on the chopping block, noting that Bondi had appeared to handle the job “exactly the way he wanted her to.” But guest Sean Davis argued that Trump’s decision made sense when viewed against the backdrop of his predecessors' tenure as attorney general. After clashes with Jeff Sessions, Rod Rosenstein, and Bill Barr, Davis said Trump entered his second term prioritizing loyalty above all else.
“Unfortunately—she was very loyal,” Davis said. “She wasn’t particularly competent.” He pointed to Bondi’s chaotic rollout of the Epstein documents, including the infamous White House meeting and binder handouts, calling the episode “a farce” that ultimately damaged Trump politically.
Kelly noted that Trump’s base has been frustrated by the lack of major revelations in the Epstein files, suggesting the president may now be looking for someone to blame. She added that Bondi’s own missteps—such as her claim that an Epstein “client list” was on her desk—were compounded by Trump publicly declaring that no further disclosures would be made.
Apr 02, 2026 at 05:26 PM EDT
Republicans praise Bondi after firing, highlighting her work on public safety
Several Republican lawmakers who have long known Pam Bondi offered warm tributes following her dismissal as attorney general, framing her departure as the end of a dedicated—if turbulent—chapter in the administration.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia thanked Bondi on X “for her dedicated service to our country,” praising her focus on public safety and her efforts to combat the drug crisis, an issue she said has “deeply impacted West Virginia.” Capito also congratulated Todd Blanche, who will serve as acting attorney general, saying she looks forward to working with him.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott offered an even more personal endorsement, calling Bondi “a great friend and one of the best lawyers I’ve ever met.” Scott said she “did an incredible job” both as Florida’s attorney general and in her federal role, emphasizing her long record as a prosecutor and political ally.
Apr 02, 2026 at 05:13 PM EDT
‘The dow is over 50,000 right now’: Bondi’s explosive reactions explained
Pam Bondi’s 14 months as attorney general were marked as much by policy controversy as by her explosive confrontations on Capitol Hill, where she became one of the most combative figures in the Trump administration.
Bondi appeared repeatedly before lawmakers probing the government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, a process that drew bipartisan frustration as millions of pages remained sealed and key disclosures stalled. Her testimony often devolved into shouting matches with Democrats, while Republicans pressed her on why she had not advanced criminal cases against President Donald Trump’s political adversaries.
In one February hearing, Bondi erupted at a Democratic senator, shouting: “You don’t tell me anything, you washed‑up, loser lawyer!” The outburst quickly went viral, cementing her reputation as a political brawler.
But she became best known for a moment that stunned even her allies: when asked about the Epstein investigation, Bondi abruptly pivoted to the stock market. “The Dow is over 50,000 right now,” she declared, sidestepping questions about victims, redactions, and the stalled release of documents.
Apr 02, 2026 at 04:50 PM EDT
Schumer, Jeffries praise Bondi’s firing but warn DOJ ‘rot’ remains under Trump
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the firing of Pam Bondi, calling her removal overdue while stressing that the deeper problems inside the Department of Justice stem from President Donald Trump himself.
“Good riddance,” Schumer said, adding that “the rot at the Department of Justice begins and ends with Donald Trump.” He argued that Bondi’s 14‑month tenure—marked by efforts to target Trump’s perceived political enemies—was a symptom of a broader pattern in which the president uses federal law enforcement “as a tool for revenge and not law enforcement.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed the sentiment, signaling that more accountability battles lie ahead. “Pete Hegseth is next,” he said, referencing another senior Trump ally now under scrutiny.
Apr 02, 2026 at 04:37 PM EDT
Before her ousting, ‘South Park’ mocked Pam Bondi for her loyalty to Trump
South Park took aim at Pam Bondi in its 2025 Halloween special, portraying the U.S. attorney general as an unwavering loyalist to President Donald Trump in an episode titled “The Woman in the Hat” (Season 28, Episode 3).
The animated satire depicted Bondi as a relentless Trump defender, punctuating the gag with a recurring visual joke: a mysterious brown smear on her nose that she never manages to wipe away. Paranormal investigators in the episode later identify the substance as “rectoplasm,” described as a grotesque byproduct of the same fast‑food‑heavy diet attributed to Trump.
Bondi’s cartoon counterpart spends much of the episode threatening critics of the administration, including a moment in which she indicts Kyle Schwartz for questioning Trump. The storyline fits squarely within South Park’s broader lampooning of the Trump era, which has included caricatures of figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio.
The episode aired on Comedy Central and was later made available for streaming on Paramount+
Apr 02, 2026 at 04:24 PM EDT
Trump fires Bondi and Noem in recent shake-ups: What to know about the cabinet turmoil
President Donald Trump has removed two senior Cabinet officials in less than a month, marking one of the most turbulent stretches of his second term. On April 2, he fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, ending a contentious 14‑month tenure defined by political clashes, stalled investigations, and mounting frustration over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Her ouster follows the March dismissal of Kristi Noem, who was removed as Secretary of Homeland Security after sustained criticism of her leadership.
Bondi, a longtime Trump ally and a member of his 2016 impeachment defense team, had become a political liability as bipartisan anger grew over her failure to release millions of pages of Epstein‑related documents. Lawmakers accused her of withholding records, contradicting her own public statements, and “whiffing” on a probe that had been billed as a major transparency effort. Her inability to deliver results—and to prosecute Trump’s political adversaries as some conservatives expected—ultimately eroded support even within the GOP.
Noem’s firing came amid similar concerns about management and performance at the Department of Homeland Security, with critics pointing to operational breakdowns and internal turmoil. Her removal was followed by the appointment of Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her successor.
In the Justice Department, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to step in as acting attorney general following Bondi’s departure.
Apr 02, 2026 at 04:11 PM EDT
Bondi’s firing intensifies scrutiny over mishandled Epstein files
Pam Bondi’s abrupt removal as attorney general on April 2 has sharpened bipartisan criticism of her troubled stewardship of the Jeffrey Epstein files, a controversy that steadily eroded her standing in Washington and ultimately cost her the job.
Bondi had been under mounting pressure for months as lawmakers accused her of “botching” the release of millions of pages of Epstein‑related documents. While the Department of Justice made roughly 3 million pages public, officials acknowledged that vast portions—about 2.5 million pages—remained sealed to protect victim identities. The limited disclosures frustrated both parties and fueled accusations that Bondi had failed to deliver the transparency she promised.
Her credibility took another hit when she claimed in 2025 that an Epstein “client list” was on her desk for review—a statement later contradicted by DOJ officials, who said no such document existed. By March 2026, the House Oversight Committee had subpoenaed her, accusing her of “completely whiffing” on the investigation and refusing to comply with congressional demands.
Despite her long‑standing loyalty to President Donald Trump, Bondi’s handling of the files became a political liability. Republicans who once defended her began distancing themselves, and reports surfaced that Trump had grown frustrated with the ongoing fallout.
The released files, meanwhile, failed to produce the explosive revelations some conservatives expected, deepening dissatisfaction. DOJ officials said further releases were restricted to avoid exposing victims’ identities.
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:54 PM EDT
NAACP says Bondi’s removal doesn’t change the larger threat, urges focus on Trump
NAACP President Derrick Johnson responded to the firing of Pam Bondi on Thursday, calling the former attorney general “a danger to democracy” and warning that her removal should not distract from what he described as the deeper problem: the leadership of President Donald Trump.
In a sharply worded statement, Johnson said Bondi “never belonged in the Department of Justice,” accusing her of enabling an administration that has repeatedly undermined democratic norms. But he cautioned against viewing her ouster as accountability in itself. “Let’s not forget who appointed her in the first place,” he said, arguing that Trump’s appointees “only answer to his authoritarian commands.”
Johnson linked Bondi’s departure to earlier removals of senior officials, including Anthony Bovino and Kristi Noem, saying the pattern reflects Trump’s control rather than meaningful reform. “Don’t fall for the fall person,” he said. “Trump is the one calling the shots. He’s the one we must stay focused on.”
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:41 PM EDT
Democracy Forward says Bondi’s firing must be followed by accountability
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said Thursday that the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi should mark the beginning—not the end—of efforts to hold the former Justice Department leader accountable for what she described as sweeping abuses of power.
In a sharply critical statement, Perryman said Bondi’s tenure would be remembered for “politicizing the Justice Department,” undermining civil rights, and withholding key information related to the Epstein files, which she argued deepened public distrust in the department. Bondi’s removal, Perryman added, “does not repair the damage inflicted on people living in America, civil rights, due process, or the integrity of our legal system.”
Perryman also warned that elevating Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to acting attorney general would not restore confidence in the DOJ, calling instead for continued legal and institutional pressure. She urged lawyers and major law firms to reject political expediency and recommit to constitutional principles, saying, “History is watching what we all do in this time.”
Democracy Forward, which has filed more than 400 legal actions challenging policies advanced under Bondi and the Trump‑Vance administration, said it will continue pursuing cases tied to alleged abuses—including Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, her clashes with the American Bar Association, and what the group calls the weaponization of the Justice Department.
Perryman framed Bondi’s firing as a turning point, arguing that accountability must now follow.
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:28 PM EDT
Garcia says Bondi still must testify, accuses her of leading ‘cover-up’ of Epstein files
Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said Thursday that Pam Bondi’s firing does not shield her from congressional scrutiny, accusing the former attorney general of orchestrating a “White House cover‑up” of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In a sharply worded statement, Garcia said Bondi had “weaponized the Department of Justice to protect Donald Trump and put survivors in harm’s way by exposing their identities.” He added that Bondi “remains legally obligated to appear before our Committee under oath” and must answer for what he described as her mishandling of the files and “special treatment” of Ghislaine Maxwell.
Garcia also noted that Oversight Democrats are conducting parallel investigations into Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, insisting those inquiries will continue despite both officials being removed from their posts. “If they think we are moving on because they were fired, they are gravely mistaken,” he said.
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:15 PM EDT
Maxwell Alejandro Frost says Bondi must still testify despite firing, citing oversight subpoena
Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost said Thursday that Pam Bondi’s removal as attorney general does not release her from a congressional subpoena tied to the Epstein files investigation. In a statement posted on X, the Florida Democrat emphasized that Bondi remains legally required to appear before the House Oversight Committee, which summoned her earlier this month.
“Pam Bondi still has to testify, under oath, in front of the Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein Files,” Frost wrote, adding that her dismissal “does not get her out of that bipartisan, lawful subpoena.”
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:12 PM EDT
Pam Bondi speaks out about ouster
Pamela Bondi struck a defiant and celebratory tone Thursday in her first public comments since being fired as attorney general, pledging to spend the next month “working tirelessly” to hand over the Department of Justice to Todd Blanche before moving into a private‑sector role she described as “important” and “thrilling.”
Bondi said she intends to “continue fighting for President Donald Trump and this Administration” even after her departure, framing her 14‑month tenure as one of the most consequential periods in DOJ history. She highlighted what she called major achievements: the lowest murder rate in 125 years, first‑ever terrorism convictions against members of Antifa, sweeping gang takedowns, the capture of more than 90 cartel figures, and 24 favorable Supreme Court rulings.
“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime,” Bondi wrote, adding that she remains “eternally grateful” for the trust Trump placed in her.
Apr 02, 2026 at 03:02 PM EDT
What to know about Pam Bondi, the former U.S. attorney general
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Pamela Bondi, a longtime Republican attorney and political figure, served as the 87th U.S. attorney general from 2025 until her removal in April 2026. Bondi, who previously spent two terms as Florida’s attorney general, entered the Trump administration with deep ties to the former president and a long record in conservative legal politics.
Bondi rose to national prominence after serving as one of Donald Trump’s impeachment defense lawyers in 2020 and later leading the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute. Trump nominated her for attorney general in late 2024, and she was confirmed in a 54–46 vote the following February. “She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 54–46 vote on February 4, 2025,” the document notes.
Her tenure at the Department of Justice was marked by sweeping policy reversals, aggressive immigration enforcement, and sharp criticism from Democrats who accused her of politicizing the department. She shut down several DOJ task forces on her first day and often aligned closely with White House priorities. “On Bondi’s first day in office, she shut down the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force… and cut back enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act,” according to the document.
Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files became the defining controversy of her time in office. Lawmakers accused her of violating the Epstein Transparency Act, releasing sensitive victim information, and withholding key records. The document notes that she was repeatedly criticized for “releasing some victims’ full names and nude photographs” and for “intentionally obscuring the names of co‑conspirators.”
The fallout culminated in a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing in February 2026, where Bondi clashed with lawmakers and refused to answer questions about ongoing investigations. Two months later, President Trump fired her, citing dissatisfaction with her management of the Epstein disclosures and other issues. “In April 2026… Trump announced he had fired Bondi,” the document states.
Bondi’s career has spanned prosecution, statewide office, lobbying, and national politics—leaving behind a legacy defined as much by her loyalty to Trump as by the controversies that ultimately ended her tenure.
Apr 02, 2026 at 02:49 PM EDT
Khanna says Bondi’s ouster stems from Epstein Files ‘cover-up,’ urges Senate to block similar successor
Rep. Ro Khanna said Thursday that Pam Bondi’s removal as attorney general was the direct result of what he called an attempted “cover‑up” involving the Jeffrey Epstein files, arguing that Congress must not allow her replacement to repeat the same mistakes.
Khanna, who co‑authored the Epstein Transparency Act, said he and Rep. Thomas Massie had pushed for accountability since Bondi failed to comply with the law’s disclosure requirements. “Congress does not need to be a doormat,” Khanna wrote on X, urging the Senate to reject any nominee he described as “another lawless sycophant.”
Apr 02, 2026 at 02:36 PM EDT
What does the Attorney General do?
The Attorney General serves as the top law‑enforcement official and chief legal adviser for their government, overseeing major prosecutorial decisions and guiding legal policy. At the federal level, the role places the AG at the helm of the Department of Justice, while state attorneys general focus on enforcing state laws and protecting residents through civil and criminal actions.
At the federal level, the U.S. Attorney General directs agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF, represents the government in court, advises the president and Cabinet, and helps shape the federal judiciary by recommending candidates for key legal posts. At the state level, attorneys general lead consumer‑protection efforts, pursue civil and criminal litigation on behalf of the state, investigate wrongdoing, and often propose legislation tied to public safety and regulatory enforcement.
While both positions share broad law‑enforcement authority, the federal AG concentrates on national legal matters, and state AGs primarily safeguard state interests and residents.
Apr 02, 2026 at 02:27 PM EDT
Epstein survivor Annie Farmer says Bondi’s firing doesn’t fix systemic failures
Annie Farmer, one of the most outspoken survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, said Thursday that the firing of Pam Bondi should not distract from what she described as decades of institutional failure that has harmed victims.
“This is not about a single person,” Farmer said in a statement. “It is about a government and judicial system that has repeatedly failed Epstein survivors.” She added that accountability must extend beyond political turnover, emphasizing that “survivors deserve accountability, transparency, protection from retaliation, and assurance that those who enabled Epstein, Maxwell, and others will be investigated and, if appropriate, prosecuted.”
Farmer, who has said she was 16 when she was abused by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, has long pushed for a full accounting of how powerful institutions protected the financier and ignored victims’ warnings. Her comments underscore a growing concern among survivors that Bondi’s removal—while significant—does not resolve the deeper structural issues that allowed the abuse to continue for years.
Apr 02, 2026 at 02:23 PM EDT
Bondi’s scheduled deposition in Epstein probe uncertain as oversight presses for answers
The House Oversight Committee had planned to depose Pam Bondi on April 14 as part of its investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, but Bondi had not yet committed to appearing, according to people familiar with discussions between her team and committee staff.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel’s top Democrat, said Bondi remained “legally obligated to appear before our committee under oath,” underscoring growing frustration among lawmakers seeking clarity on the department’s management of investigative materials tied to Epstein. A spokesperson for the committee’s Republican chairman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apr 02, 2026 at 02:10 PM EDT
Nancy Mace welcomes Bondi’s removal, citing mishandling of Epstein files
Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, one of the most vocal Republican critics of Pam Bondi, said Thursday that she supports the attorney general’s removal and is eager to see new leadership at the Department of Justice.
Mace, who previously pushed the House Oversight Committee to subpoena Bondi over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, said Bondi’s approach had damaged the administration. “Bondi handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and made this situation far worse than it had to be for President Trump,” she said in a statement.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:57 PM EDT
Who is Todd Blanche?
Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and longtime legal defender of President Donald Trump, has risen to one of the most powerful roles in the administration after becoming acting attorney general in April 2026. Blanche, who has served as deputy attorney general since January 2025, assumed the post immediately after Trump fired Pam Bondi, placing a trusted ally at the top of the Department of Justice.
Blanche’s ascent reflects a dramatic career shift from his early years in the Southern District of New York, where he spent eight years in the violent‑crimes division before entering private practice. There, he represented several Trump‑aligned figures, including Paul Manafort, Igor Fruman, and Boris Epshteyn, work he handled “in his personal capacity” while at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
His relationship with Trump deepened in 2023, when he joined the former president’s defense team ahead of Trump’s New York arraignment and later led his defense in the federal classified‑documents and election‑obstruction cases. Blanche ultimately became Trump’s lead trial lawyer in the New York criminal case, developing what the document describes as a “close relationship” with the president.
After Trump’s 2024 election victory, Blanche was nominated and confirmed as deputy attorney general. His tenure has been marked by sweeping internal shake‑ups, including personnel removals, restructuring proposals, and high‑profile interventions in politically sensitive cases. He also drew controversy for simultaneously serving as acting librarian of Congress, an appointment disputed by library leadership.
Blanche’s new role as acting attorney general places him at the center of ongoing battles over the Epstein files
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:43 PM EDT
Who is likely to replace Pam Bondi as US Attorney General?
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Lee Zeldin, the current administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has surfaced as a top contender to lead the Department of Justice should President Donald Trump move forward with firing Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to reporting from the New York Times and CNN. Multiple sources told outlets that Trump has privately discussed replacing Bondi amid mounting frustration with her leadership.
Trump’s dissatisfaction reportedly dates back to January, when the Justice Department faced backlash for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Concerns over transparency and congressional pressure intensified in recent weeks, with Bondi scheduled to sit for a deposition before the House Oversight Committee later this month.
Bondi has also faced criticism inside the administration for not pursuing investigations into Trump’s political adversaries as aggressively as he expected. Under her tenure, the DOJ opened probes into several Trump critics — including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — but none have resulted in indictments.
Bondi was confirmed last year in a narrow 54–46 vote after Trump’s initial nominee, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew amid scrutiny over allegations of misconduct. Her tenure has been marked by politically charged investigations and repeated clashes with congressional Democrats.
Zeldin, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of Trump’s most loyal allies. Since taking over the EPA in January 2025, he has overseen sweeping deregulation efforts, rolling back environmental protections and dismantling key scientific programs. His tenure has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and public health groups, as well as scrutiny over past consulting work linked to a corruption case involving former Sen. Bob Menendez.
A former New York congressman, state senator, and Army veteran, Zeldin has long aligned himself with Trump, defending him during both impeachments and voting against certifying the 2020 election results.
Sources told the outlets that Trump has not made a final decision, and he has publicly defended Bondi in recent days. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is also under consideration, according to ABC News, though Zeldin’s name has surfaced most frequently in internal discussions.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:34 PM EDT
Acting AG Blanche praises Bondi, vows to continue DOJ’s law-enforcement priorities
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement Thursday thanking Pam Bondi for her service and pledging continuity at the Department of Justice following her removal. Blanche, who stepped into the role after President Donald Trump dismissed Bondi, emphasized both personal gratitude and institutional stability.
“Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship,” Blanche said, adding his thanks to Trump “for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General.”
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:30 PM EDT
What to know about Todd Blanche and Pam Bondi
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President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2, 2026, ending a turbulent 14‑month tenure defined by political fallout over the Jeffrey Epstein file release and mounting pressure over Justice Department investigations. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Trump, has stepped in as acting attorney general.
Bondi’s removal followed eroding support from Trump and key Republicans, who had grown frustrated with her handling of the Epstein disclosures and her management of politically sensitive probes. Both Bondi and Blanche had faced bipartisan scrutiny in March, when Democrats walked out of a closed‑door briefing and dismissed it as a “fake hearing.”
Blanche’s rise reflects his long‑standing proximity to Trump. Before joining the Justice Department, he served as one of Trump’s defense attorneys and was widely viewed inside the administration as a more trusted and aligned figure than Bondi.
Bondi’s tenure had been marked by aggressive pushes to investigate political targets, including Cassidy Hutchinson and ActBlue, drawing criticism that the department was being steered toward partisan priorities.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:26 PM EDT
Massie launches poll regarding Bondi’s removal
Rep. Thomas Massie signaled support for President Donald Trump removing Attorney General Pam Bondi, posting a message on X urging the release of all remaining Epstein files.
“I support Trump firing Pam Bondi. Do you?” Massie wrote, adding that he hoped the next attorney general would disclose the full set of Jeffrey Epstein documents and pursue related investigations and prosecutions. His post included a poll with several hours left to vote.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:23 PM EDT
Trump praises Bondi after firing, says Blanche will serve as acting attorney general
President Donald Trump publicly praised Pam Bondi on Thursday shortly after removing her as attorney general, calling her a “Great American Patriot” and crediting her with overseeing a nationwide drop in violent crime. In a post on X, Trump said Bondi had “faithfully served” over the past year and would soon move into a new private‑sector role to be announced later.
Trump also confirmed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a longtime legal ally and former defense attorney for the president, will take over as acting attorney general. He described Blanche as a “talented and respected legal mind.”
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:22 PM EDT
Why was US Attorney General Pam Bondi fired?
President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post on Thursday, a White House official said, following growing dissatisfaction with her handling of sensitive investigative files tied to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to the official, Trump had become increasingly frustrated with what he viewed as Bondi’s slow response to cases involving critics and political adversaries he believed should face criminal charges. The decision marks one of the most consequential shake‑ups in Trump’s legal team since the start of the conflict with Iran.
Bondi’s next role within the administration has not yet been announced.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:18 PM EDT
Trump removes Bondi as attorney general, names Todd Blanche acting AG: Report
President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post, with Todd Blanche set to serve as acting attorney general, according to reporting from CBS News correspondent Jennifer Jacobs.
Jacobs said Bondi will be offered another position within the administration, though details of the new role were not immediately available.
Apr 02, 2026 at 01:14 PM EDT
Bondi reportedly fired before Trump’s Iran address as Zeldin considered for AG
President Donald Trump has reportedly dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to two sources who told Fox News Digital she was informed of her removal during a meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday night. One source said Bondi was already headed back to Florida by the time Trump delivered his televised address on the war in Iran.
The reports come as Trump weighs potential replacements, with EPA Director Lee Zeldin emerging as a leading contender. Trump met with Zeldin at the White House on Tuesday for discussions on wildfire policy, where the possibility of a transition was also raised, according to an individual familiar with the meeting.
The Justice Department denied the claims, saying Bondi was with Trump for the speech. A White House source did not confirm the firing but suggested the reporting was “not cold.” The alleged move follows earlier reporting that Trump had grown dissatisfied with Bondi’s performance.
Bondi had accompanied Trump to the U.S. Supreme Court earlier Wednesday for arguments in a major birthright citizenship case, underscoring how swiftly the reported decision unfolded.
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