Trump announced the firing Thursday via Truth Social, using characteristically flattering language. He wrote that Bondi was “a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend” who was heading to “a much needed and important new job in the private sector.”
Behind that diplomatic tone, however, was a harsher reality. Eight sources familiar with White House deliberations told NBC News that Trump had grown “more and more frustrated” with Bondi. They said he believed she had failed to “execute on his vision” at the Justice Department.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has been named acting attorney general. He previously served as Trump’s personal defense attorney in multiple criminal cases before joining the administration.
Blanche praised his predecessor on X, saying Bondi “led this Department with strength and conviction.” He also pledged to continue “backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe.”
Two sources confirmed to multiple news outlets that Trump is considering EPA administrator Lee Zeldin as Bondi’s permanent replacement. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina publicly welcomed the possibility, writing on X that Bondi “handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and made this situation far worse than it had to be for President Trump.”
The Epstein files controversy proved fatal to Bondi’s tenure.The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed her last month to testify about the DOJ’s handling of documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The subpoena remains in force despite her departure.
Committee ranking member Robert Garcia warned Thursday that Bondi’s firing does not excuse her from testifying under oath
Tinubu Commends Otti for Investing in InfrastructureBondi is the second Cabinet member removed by Trump. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired in March.The accelerating pace of senior dismissals raises urgent questions about stability inside an administration already managing multiple crises. These include a war against Iran, a Supreme Court battle over immigration policy, and a reshaping of America’s global alliances.
Sources told CNN that Trump and Bondi had a heated confrontation at the White House last week. Despite Trump’s praise in his public statement, Bondi does not have a confirmed private-sector job lined up.. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment from multiple news organizations.
