President Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her role as US attorney general, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche set to take over on an interim basis, CNN reports.
The move follows days of internal discussions about Bondi’s future and a direct conversation between Trump and Bondi in which he indicated she would soon be replaced, sources told the outlet.
Blanche is expected to lead the Justice Department temporarily while Trump weighs a permanent replacement. Among those being considered is Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin.
Frustration Inside White House
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Bondi on multiple fronts, including her handling of matters tied to Jeffrey Epstein and her approach to investigating political opponents, according to reports.
One issue drawing attention is an ongoing review into whether former CIA Director John Brennan made false statements to Congress. Prosecutors have reportedly expressed concerns about the strength of that case, though it remains under review.
Bondi recently called a federal prosecutor to Washington to discuss the pace of the investigation, a move some inside the Justice Department viewed as an attempt to show progress on priorities important to Trump, sources told CNN.
Political And Legal Fallout Expected
Bondi is also facing scrutiny from Congress over her handling of Epstein-related records. She has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee and is expected to face further questions later this month.
Her past comments about an alleged Epstein client list have drawn criticism after the Justice Department later said no such list exists.
Despite the internal tensions, Trump publicly praised Bondi in a statement.
“Attorney General Pam Bondi is a wonderful person and she is doing a good job,” Trump said.
