President Donald Trump announced US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s departure on Truth Social, naming his former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as acting head of the Justice Department.
Trump praised Bondi in his statement, calling her a “Great American Patriot” who led a major crackdown on crime, adding that she will be transitioning into a new role in the private sector.
Her departure comes amid mounting criticism over her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
CNBC reports that Lee Zeldin could be a potential pick for the permanent role.
Bondi previously served as Florida’s first female attorney general before working for a lobby firm and working with Trump’s legal team during his impeachment trial before becoming attorney general.
Her exit follows another recent shake-up, with Kristi Noem previously removed as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
