US President Donald Trump fired his administration's attorney general. In an official statement, Trump praised Bondi, calling her "a great American patriot and a loyal friend," and said she had "served faithfully as attorney general over the last year." The dismissal comes a month after Bondi allowed the release of the Epstein files.
He said Bondi had led a "wide-ranging operation against crime across the country," during which "the murder rate fell to a level not seen since 1900." He added that she is expected to move to "a new and important role in the private sector," with further details to be announced later, and said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom he described as "a highly talented and respected lawyer," will take over as acting attorney general.
The announcement followed a series of reports in US media outlets, including CNN and Fox News, saying Trump had already held talks with Bondi in recent days and made clear to her that her tenure was coming to an end. One source described the conversation between them as "tough" and said the president had signaled that he intended to replace her in the near future.
According to reports, the two met at the White House on Wednesday, shortly before Trump's address to the nation on the war in Iran, and Bondi was informed during the meeting that she was finishing her term. Sources said it was already clear at that stage that the change was moving ahead, even though the official announcement had not yet been released.
In the meantime, Todd Blanche will step in as acting attorney general while the administration considers a permanent nominee for the post. Among the names mentioned is Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. According to sources familiar with the matter, discussions during a White House meeting also touched on the possibility that he could be appointed to the role.
Behind the move, according to the reports, were tensions that had built up in recent weeks between Trump and Bondi. Among other things, the president expressed frustration over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, as well as what he saw as insufficient progress in investigations against his political rivals. Sources said these issues contributed to his growing dissatisfaction with her performance.
