U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed her deputy, Todd Blanche, as acting head of the Department of Justice, marking a significant shift in the administration’s legal leadership.
Trump praised Bondi as a “great patriot” and loyal ally, highlighting her role in overseeing a broad anti-crime campaign over the past year. He credited her tenure with achieving a historic drop in homicide rates and strengthening law enforcement efforts nationwide. The president said Bondi will soon move to a “major role” in the private sector, with further details to be announced.
Bondi confirmed she will spend the coming weeks handing over responsibilities to Blanche before leaving office. She expressed gratitude to Trump for his trust, describing her time at the Justice Department as the most impactful period of her career. She pointed to key achievements under her leadership, including major prosecutions, efforts against organized crime networks, and legal victories at the Supreme Court.
Blanche, in his first remarks following the appointment, said he was honored to serve as acting attorney general. He praised Bondi’s leadership and pledged to continue supporting law enforcement agencies, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring national security.
According to sources cited by Fox News, Bondi met Trump in the Oval Office shortly before his address on the Iran conflict, where she was informed of the decision. By the time of the speech, she had already departed for Florida. The same sources indicated that Trump is considering Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as a potential permanent replacement, though no final decision has been announced.
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