The Digester
politics

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, names ex-personal lawyer Todd Blanche as acting AG

President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Apr 2, 2026 and named former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as acting head of the Justice Department, citing a move to the private sector amid criticism over Epstein file handling and unprosecuted cases against Trump opponents.

Apr 2nd 2026 · United States

Insights

  • President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Apr 2, 2026 that he had removed Attorney General Pam Bondi.
  • Bondi will transition to a private sector job to be announced later, the White House said.
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as one of Trump's personal lawyers, will serve as acting attorney general.
  • Bondi faced criticism over the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and for not prosecuting perceived Trump political opponents.
  • The New York Times reported Trump may nominate former congressman Lee Zeldin as Bondi's permanent replacement.
  • Democrats praised the firing and accused Bondi of politicizing the Justice Department.

Sources