Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general, taps former personal lawyer Todd Blanche

US President Donald Trump has sacked Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed his former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as acting head of the Justice Department.

The announcement, made Thursday via social media, follows months of tension between Trump and Bondi over key legal and political issues.

While confirming her exit, Trump praised Bondi, saying: “Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year.”

“Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country.”

He said she would move to “a much needed and important new job in the private sector,” adding that Blanche would temporarily take charge, describing him as “a very talented and respected Legal Mind.”

Bondi had faced mounting criticism, particularly over her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, whose 2019 death in custody sparked widespread scrutiny.

She was also reportedly under pressure for not pursuing cases against individuals seen as Trump adversaries, including James Comey and Letitia James.

Reports suggest that Lee Zeldin could emerge as a permanent nominee for the role.

Blanche, who defended Trump in several legal battles after his presidency, will now serve as interim attorney general.

In a statement, Bondi described her tenure as “the honor of a lifetime” and said she would “continue fighting for President Trump,” while promising to assist with the transition.

Her departure comes weeks after Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position.

Democrats reacted strongly to the move.

“Good riddance,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren, criticising Bondi’s record, while Senator Dick Durbin accused her of using the Justice Department to serve Trump’s personal interests.

Bondi played a key role in Trump’s legal and political battles, including his first impeachment trial involving Volodymyr Zelensky, and later backed his claims of voter fraud following the 2020 election.

She also publicly supported Trump during his New York criminal trial, where he was convicted of falsifying business records.

Before joining Trump’s inner circle, Bondi built her career as a prosecutor and served as Florida’s attorney general after her election in 2010, becoming the first woman in the role.

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