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Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general, names Todd Blanche acting AG

By Scripps News Group Apr 2, 2026 | 10:19 AM

Pam Bondi is out as attorney general, President Donald Trump announced Thursday on Truth Social.

“We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future,” he said.

Trump added that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general.

Reacting to the news, Blanche praised Bondi for leading the department with “strength and conviction.”

Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and Im grateful for her leadership and friendship.Thank you to President Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General.We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing https://t.co/ourLJWGAqv Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) April 2, 2026

Bondi has faced scrutiny from both Republicans and Democrats during her tenure.

Before Trumps announcement, The Associated Press reported that he had discussed replacing Bondi over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and efforts to prosecute his perceived political opponents.

Democrats have also criticized Bondi, accusing her of lacking independence and carrying out the presidents agenda.

Bondi has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee over the Justice Departments response to the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The department has been accused of withholding documents, failing to properly redact sensitive information and redacting material that lawmakers said should not have been withheld.

“She will not escape accountability and remains legally obligated to appear before our Committee under oath. She must answer for her mishandling of the Epstein files,” said House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia.

In February, Bondi had tense exchanges with lawmakers while testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on a range of issues. She repeatedly clashed with Democrats, defending the president and her record as attorney general.

You sit here and you attack the president and Im not going to have it,” Bondi said. “I am not going to put up with it.

Following the hearing, Trump praised Bondi, calling her fantastic.