Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General Over Epstein Files Backlash
Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General Over Epstein Files Backlash
Trump announces Bondi's firing and names Todd Blanche as Acting Attorney General amid backlash over how the Epstein files were handled.
President Donald Trump fired Pam Bondi as attorney general on Thursday, announcing the move on Truth Social and saying a permanent replacement would be named soon.\n\nDeputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General during the transition, with a permanent successor to be named at a later date.\n\nThe dismissal comes amid reports Bondi faced scrutiny over the Epstein files and pressure from lawmakers for more transparency. Democrats have criticized the DOJ's handling of the Epstein matter, arguing it raises questions about accountability within the White House and the department.\n\nTrump praised Bondi as a great American patriot who loyally served as attorney general and said she would transition to a new role in the private sector to be announced soon. He added that Blanche will step in to run the department on an interim basis.\n\nAnalysts say the reshuffle keeps the cabinet largely intact but underscores ongoing tensions over how the Epstein files are handled and how closely the president will oversee the Justice Department going forward. The move could influence ongoing investigations and the department's independence moving ahead.