2. April 2026

PAM OUT: Trump Fires AG Bondi After Reported White House Showdown

WASHINGTON--- President Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, installing Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general, he announced.

Trump said Bondi would be leaving the administration to take on “a much needed and important new job in the private sector,” according to a post on Truth Social. He praised her tenure but did not provide a specific explanation for her departure.

“Pam Bondi is a great American patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my attorney general over the past year,” Trump wrote, crediting her with overseeing a nationwide crackdown on crime and citing declining murder rates.

Behind the scenes, however, people familiar with the matter said Trump had grown increasingly dissatisfied with Bondi on several fronts. Among the concerns, sources said, were her handling of politically sensitive issues, including scrutiny surrounding records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as what Trump viewed as insufficient action against political adversaries.

Bondi is the second Cabinet official to be removed in recent weeks, following Trump’s dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month. One person familiar with the administration’s internal discussions said that earlier move appeared to ease concerns within Trump’s orbit about making additional high-level personnel changes.

In the days leading up to the decision, Trump had discussed the possibility of removing Bondi with advisers and allies, sources said. He also spoke directly with Bondi on Wednesday in what one person described as an "intense” conversation, during which he indicated her tenure was nearing an end.

Some sources described a contentious final stretch, with Bondi seeking to remain in her role amid mounting pressure. Others pointed to internal frustrations tied to alleged disclosures of sensitive information, though details of those concerns remain unclear.

There had been preliminary discussions about reassigning Bondi to another position within the administration, including the possibility of a judicial appointment, according to two people familiar with the matter. Those options appear to have been ruled out, however, with Trump signaling she would leave government service altogether.

Despite Trump’s reference to a transition to the private sector, one person familiar with the situation said Bondi does not currently have another position lined up.