Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with reports indicating that the president had grown increasingly frustrated with her performance, according to Associated Press.
Bondi, a former attorney general of Florida and a longtime Trump ally who was part of his legal team during his first impeachment trial, had served in the role for over a year.
She had entered office promising to keep politics out of the Justice Department, but soon initiated investigations into Trumpโs political opponents, drawing criticism and raising concerns that the agency was being used to pursue the presidentโs political and personal interests.
Sacking announced on social media
Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, calling Bondi a “great American patriot and a loyal friend”.ย
“Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900. We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector..”
Bondi’s deputy Todd Blanche has been elevated as the acting US Attorney General, Trump informed.
Handling of Epstein files
Pam Bondi had been subpoenaed to testify before Congress over the United States Department of Justice investigation into sex trafficking allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the handling of millions of related case files. Bondi was due to appear for a deposition on April 14 by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform after a vote last month that received support from five Republicans.
The Justice Departmentโs inability to block the subpoena from the Republican led panel reflects growing dissatisfaction within the support base of Donald Trump over Bondiโs handling of the review and release of documents tied to the Epstein investigation.
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