Trump outs Pam Bondi amid mixed political frustration

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post, as frustration grew within the administration over her performance and a series of political controversies.

According to the White House Bondi will now move to the private sector. Despite her removal, Trump praised her as a “loyal friend” and “great American patriot.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will take over leadership of the Justice Department on an interim basis.

Bondi’s tenure had increasingly come under pressure, particularly over her handling of investigative files linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Critics accused her of mismanaging the release of key records and failing to ensure transparency, turning the issue into a political liability for the administration.

Frustration also stemmed from Trump’s belief that Bondi was not moving swiftly enough on legal actions against his political opponents. The perceived lack of urgency further strained her standing within the White House.

During her time in office, Bondi was a strong defender of Trump’s agenda and oversaw significant changes within the Justice Department, including the removal of several career prosecutors. Critics argued these moves weakened the department’s traditional independence and fueled concerns of political interference.

The Epstein files controversy, however, remained the central flashpoint. Even after the release of millions of pages of documents, lawmakers raised objections over redactions and the handling of sensitive information, prolonging the backlash.

Bondi’s ouster marks the second major shake-up in Trump’s administration in recent weeks, highlighting ongoing internal pressures and a possible shift in legal strategy moving forward.