Washington, 3 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he is firing Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will succeed Bondi, Trump wrote on his Truth Social Platform.

He called Blanche "a very talented and respected Legal Mind," and said Blanche would serve as acting attorney general.

Bondi 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," the US president added. No details were mentioned.

Blanche thanked Trump on X "for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General" and pledged that the department would continue to enforce the law and do everything to keep the US safe.

"Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship," Blanche wrote.

Rumours of Bondi’s pending dismissal had been circulating for some time. The 60-year-old is now the second official to leave Trump’s Cabinet in a matter of weeks. Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem had already been forced to step down.

Epstein files a key factor

Citing four sources, the New York Times had reported that Trump had discussed sacking Bondi in recent days. He is said to have been increasingly frustrated with her leadership of her Department of Justice and her handling of the Epstein files.

Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy New York financier, ran an abuse ring decades ago, with young women and minors falling victim to it. Epstein had excellent connections within high society in the US and many other countries.

He died in his prison cell in 2019, which further fuelled speculation.

The scandal has returned to the headlines with the publication of the investigation files in the case. The US government is attempting to keep it as far away from Trump as possible.

Questionable Use of Department of Justice

According to the New York Times, another of Trump’s criticisms of his attorney general was that Bondi had not used her office decisively enough to take legal action against Trump’s opponents.

Trump had made no secret of his expectations of the Department of Justice. In September, for example, he had directly called on Bondi via social media to take action against individuals he regards as enemies.

US presidents prior to Trump have traditionally placed great importance on ensuring that no doubt arises regarding the independence of the judiciary.

Formerly a key ally

When she took office, Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was regarded as a loyal ally of the president.

When he nominated her for the post, Trump had highlighted her 20 years of experience as a prosecutor.

Bondi had already supported Trump during the first impeachment proceedings in 2019.

Photo: EPA