Bondi Out as Attorney General; Deputy Blanche Appointed Acting Head

President Donald Trump announced the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2, 2026, following a 14-month tenure marked by controversy over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and allegations of politically motivated prosecutions.

Bondi’s departure marked the second Cabinet-level change in less than a month, following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in early March. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—a former personal attorney for Trump—was appointed acting Attorney General. Multiple media reports identified EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as a potential permanent successor.

Official Announcement and Transition

President Trump announced Bondi’s departure via a post on Truth Social on April 2, 2026. In the post, Trump described Bondi as a “Great American Patriot” and a “loyal friend” who “faithfully served” as Attorney General. He credited her with overseeing a “massive crackdown in Crime” and stated that murder rates had fallen to their lowest level since 1900. Trump added that Bondi would be “transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector.”

Bondi confirmed her transition in a statement, expressing excitement for a private sector role where she stated she would continue to support President Trump and his administration.

Handling of Epstein Files

“The management of DOJ files related to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein was a significant issue during Bondi’s tenure.”

Early in her term, Bondi stated on Fox News that she had Epstein’s client list “sitting on my desk right now to review.” Months later, the DOJ and FBI stated that no such client list existed and that no further Epstein investigation files would be made public.

This situation led to congressional action. Congress passed—and President Trump signed—the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill sponsored by Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), which mandated the DOJ to release all Epstein files in its possession. The DOJ did not meet the Act’s 30-day deadline for releasing materials. While millions of pages of files were eventually released, lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about extensive redactions. Some documents remain undisclosed.

The House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena to Bondi on March 17, 2026, compelling her to testify on April 14 regarding the DOJ’s handling of these files. Following Bondi’s departure, a committee spokeswoman stated the scheduled testimony was canceled because Bondi was no longer Attorney General and the subpoena was issued to her in that capacity. The committee stated it would contact Bondi’s personal counsel to discuss rescheduling.

Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking member of the Oversight panel, stated that Bondi remains legally obligated to adhere to the subpoena. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) stated the subpoena targeted Bondi “by name, not by title.”

Tenure and Departmental Changes

During Bondi’s tenure, the DOJ initiated investigations against individuals perceived as opponents of President Trump. These included former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and former Obama-era intelligence officials James Clapper and John Brennan. Federal judges subsequently dismissed cases against Comey and James, citing the unlawful appointment of the acting U.S. attorney who secured the indictments. Other individuals who were subjects of DOJ investigation included Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

Bondi’s tenure also saw significant changes to the DOJ’s career workforce:

• Prosecutors and FBI officials involved in Capitol riot cases or investigations related to Trump were dismissed.
• The public corruption prosecution section was reorganized.
• The Civil Rights Division experienced a departure of career attorneys.

Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, defended her decisions, characterizing personnel changes as a necessary restructuring of career officials. She highlighted accomplishments including efforts against drug cartels, reductions in violent crime, and immigration enforcement.

Background and Reactions

Before her appointment, Bondi served 18 years as a prosecutor and was elected Florida’s Attorney General twice. She joined President Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial.

Several members of Congress commented on Bondi’s departure:

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) stated the DOJ under Bondi “became a cesspool of corruption.”

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) criticized her handling of the Epstein files.

Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) expressed support for the change and stated he hoped the next Attorney General would release all Epstein files “according to the law.”

Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) welcomed the potential replacement of Bondi with Lee Zeldin.