Trump Removes Pam Bondi as Attorney General, Appoints Todd Blanche as Acting AG

Washington – President Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as U.S. attorney general, citing dissatisfaction with her handling of key Justice Department priorities, according to sources familiar with the decision.

Trump confirmed the development on Thursday via a post on Truth Social, where he praised Bondi’s service while announcing her exit.

“Pam Bondi is a great American patriot and a loyal friend who has faithfully served as my attorney general over the past year,” he wrote. “She will be transitioning to an important role in the private sector, to be announced soon.”

The president also revealed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will take over as acting attorney general. According to administration officials, Trump personally informed Blanche of his new role in a brief phone call shortly after news of Bondi’s removal emerged.

Sources say the decision follows growing frustration within the administration over what Trump viewed as a lack of aggressive action by the Justice Department, particularly in pursuing cases against his political opponents. Although several investigations were launched during Bondi’s tenure, many failed to produce indictments or convictions.

Among the stalled efforts were probes involving high-profile figures, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. A federal judge dismissed charges in that case, citing issues with the appointment of the prosecuting attorney. Other investigations into Democratic lawmakers and officials have yet to result in formal charges.

Efforts targeting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and a group of Democratic lawmakers also faced setbacks, with subpoenas blocked and a grand jury declining to pursue charges.

Despite these challenges, some of Bondi’s allies argue that internal caution, including from Blanche, may have contributed to the slower pace of prosecutions, amid concerns about political implications and long-term consequences.

Attention is now turning to who will permanently replace Bondi. Sources indicate that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is a leading contender. Trump reportedly met with Zeldin earlier this week to discuss the role.

However, Zeldin’s potential appointment could raise concerns within the Justice Department, as he lacks extensive experience as a traditional prosecutor, despite prior service as a military legal officer.

Bondi’s departure comes during a period of significant change at the Justice Department, which has seen major restructuring over the past year. Several offices have been shut down, and thousands of federal lawyers have left through resignations, buyouts, or dismissals, particularly those involved in investigations related to Trump.

The transition marks another major shift in the administration’s legal leadership as it continues to reshape federal law enforcement priorities.