U.S. President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi over dissatisfaction with her handling of investigations into his political rivals and the so-called "Epstein files." The dismissal marks the second time Trump has removed a cabinet secretary since returning to office, following Kristi Noem at the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday that "Bondi did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown on crime across America," adding that the attorney general would be moved to the private sector. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general. Blanche is one of Trump's closest allies, having served as his defense lawyer in criminal cases.
Trump had reportedly been frustrated that Bondi was not aggressively pursuing investigations into his political rivals. He was also displeased with her handling of the "Epstein files." Trump believed Bondi had left the impression that his name appeared on the list of high-profile political and business figures entertained by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports.
Earlier, Trump dismissed DHS Secretary Noem last month after two U.S. citizens died during aggressive enforcement operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).