Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche as Acting Replacement

Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 2, 2026, announced the removal of Pam Bondi as Attorney General, citing dissatisfaction with her performance and a desire for new leadership at the Justice Department. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General, the President confirmed in a post on Truth Social.

Growing Frustration with Bondi’s Tenure

The decision to remove Bondi comes after months of privately expressed frustrations from President Trump regarding her handling of key priorities, including prosecutions of individuals he perceives as political opponents. According to CBS News, the President felt Bondi was not aggressively pursuing these priorities.

Concerns reportedly escalated due to early missteps in her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which became a political liability even among some of Trump’s supporters. NBC News reported that Trump and Bondi spoke on Wednesday, where he informed her of the impending change in leadership.

The President similarly expressed frustration with Bondi’s ability to effectively communicate and serve as a television surrogate, roles he had anticipated she would excel in, sources familiar with the matter stated.

Bondi’s Response and Future Plans

In a post on X, Bondi stated she would be working to transition the office to Todd Blanche over the next month before moving to a private sector role. She added that she would “continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration.” USA TODAY reported Bondi’s departure marks the second removal of a Cabinet official during Trump’s second term, following the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March.

Todd Blanche Steps into Acting Role

Todd Blanche, the newly appointed Acting Attorney General, is described as a “very talented and respected Legal Mind” by President Trump. His appointment signals a potential shift in the Justice Department’s approach to the President’s priorities.

Previous Controversies

Bondi’s tenure as Attorney General was not without controversy. She faced criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle regarding the handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with accusations of botching the process. USA TODAY noted this as a key factor in the decision to remove her from office.

Key Takeaways

• President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi.
• Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General.
• The decision stems from Trump’s frustration with Bondi’s performance and handling of key priorities.
• Bondi will transition to a role in the private sector.