US President Donald Trump has announced the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi, a long-time ally, from her role as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Bondi will transition to a yet-to-be-disclosed private sector role, according to a post by Trump on Truth Social.
Bondi’s tenure was overshadowed by the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and the broader investigation into the convicted sex offender. She will be replaced by her former deputy, Todd Blanche, who denied that the Epstein files influenced the decision. Bondi praised her time in office as the “honour of a lifetime” and pledged to continue supporting the Trump administration in her new role.
The announcement follows months of scrutiny and criticism from lawmakers and the public over the handling of Epstein-related documents, with both Republican and Democratic officials citing failures to protect victim information while releasing files on non-victims. Critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Nancy Mace, called for stronger accountability, while supporters lauded Bondi’s leadership and enforcement of federal law.
Bondi’s tenure also included politically sensitive investigations into Trump’s opponents, including Senator Adam Schiff, NY Attorney General Letitia James, and former FBI Director James Comey. The departure comes amid a broader pattern of high-profile exits within the administration, though commentators note that Trump’s second term has been relatively more stable than his first.
Bondi, who previously served on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial, had defended the administration vigorously in court and public appearances, including during the hush money trial in New York. Her departure marks the third significant cabinet exit this term, after Kristi Noem and Mike Waltz.
