Bondi removed as attorney general

Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired from her post on Thursday.

Bondi will be replaced, at least temporarily, by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump said.

"Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year," Trump posted on Truth Social.

"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, to be announced at a date in the near future, and our Deputy Attorney General, and a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."

Blanche posted on X on Thursday, sharing Trump's post, writing, "Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship. Thank you to President Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General. We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe."

Speculation about Bondi has persisted for months, in large part over what has been considered her mishandling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, failure to prosecute Trump's political enemies, and an inability to get U.S. attorneys appointed. She also reportedly fell out of favor with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Bondi is a former Florida attorney general.