Pam Bondi breaks silence after Trump fired her as attorney general over missteps: Live updates

WorldPolitics
3 Apr 2026 • 8:30 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Pam Bondi has spoken out after President Donald Trump fired her as attorney general, bringing an end to her 14-month tenure at the Department of Justice.

In a statement posted on X, Bondi boasted that she oversaw “easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history” and added she is “eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me.”

She said that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will replace her as she transitions to the private sector, a career shift she is “thrilled about.”

Hours earlier on Thursday, the Republican president dismissed Bondi, making her the second Cabinet official to be ousted during his second term. He wrote in a Truth Social post that Bondi will be moving on from the government, describing her as a “Great American Patriot and a loyal friend.”

Bondi’s time at the DOJ was marred by controversy surrounding her management of investigations tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal grew into a significant political setback for the administration, and Trump appears to have ultimately lost confidence in her ability to lead.

Key Points

  • Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup
  • Read Trump’s Truth Social post about Pam Bondi
  • Bondi speaks out after Trump fired her
  • Lawmakers clarify that, despite her dismissal, Bondi still must testify under oath
  • Here's a look back at the key moments in Bondi's Epstein saga

Recap: Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

05:30 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after a tumultuous 14 months leading a radically transformed and politically driven Department of Justice.

Trump’s former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general after Bondi’s departure.

Here’s the full story from Alex Woodward in case you missed it:

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Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

Democratic Senator says Bondi's replacement will have to 'sacrifice integrity'

04:59 , Mike Bedigan

Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Judiciary Committee, has said that whoever replaces Pam Bondi as Attorney General will "have to deal with some serious problems" at the DOJ.

“I think for anybody in that position in this administration, there is a terrible tension for them in order to keep the job,” Whitehouse told CNN.

“They have got to sacrifice their integrity and be willing to do gangster stuff, and that tends to crash into laws and department rules and conventions and ultimately, federal judges.”

Blanche says Bondi's firing had nothing to do with Epstein files saga

04:35 , Mike Bedigan

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has claimed that Pam Bondi’s firing from her post had nothing to do with her handling of the Epstein files.

“I have never heard President Trump say that the attorney general was – that anything that happened to her had anything to do with the Epstein files,” Blanche told Fox News Thursday night.

He went on to claim that the Justice Department had now “released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga.”

“To the extent the Epstein files was a part of the past year of this justice department, it should not be a part of anything going forward,” Blanche said.

J6er-turned-government advisor also quits post at Justice Department

04:10 , Mike Bedigan

A former FBI agent who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and was later made a senior advisor at the Justice Department has announced that he too is leaving the department, following the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“Today I resigned from my position at the U.S. Department of Justice,” Jared Lee Wise wrote on X.

“I returned to Washington to fully expose the abuses by the FBI and DOJ against J6 defendants, but it became clear that this will only happen from outside of government. So I left and will do so.”

Wise was scheduled to go to trial 10 days before Donald Trump returned to the White House.

He had previously admitted to urging rioters to “kill” law enforcement at the Capitol on January 6, and faced six counts in connection with the riots.

Wise was pardoned by Donald Trump on his first day back in office, along with nearly every rioter charged in connection with the assault.

Read more here from Alex Woodward:

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He told Jan 6 rioters to ‘kill’ cops. Now he’s working at the Justice Department

Laura Ingraham says Bondi had become 'political liability'

03:50 , Mike Bedigan

Fox News host Laura Ingraham has claimed Pam Bondi was fired by Donald Trump because she “had become a political liability.”

Speaking on her show The Ingraham Angle hours after Trump announced Bondi’s departure on Truth Social Thursday, Ingraham pointed to the handling of the Epstein files as the main reason for her exit.

“Mistakes and redactions in the Epstein files, and then a supposed mistake in information turned over recently to Hill Democrats,” she noted. “But, perhaps, the most scathing criticism of Bondi was about her handling of the Epstein files.”

Later in the show, Ingraham said she considered Bondi a friend.

“A lot of folks really like Pam Bondi. I consider her a friend. I think she is a patriot to this country. And she certainly has been extremely loyal to President Trump,” she said.

“But the frustrations on his part were impossible to ignore.”

Former Trump White House lawyer says Trump is 'targeting' female cabinet members

03:30 , Mike Bedigan

Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb said he believed Donald Trump is targeting female members of his cabinet more harshly than male members.

“He doesn’t have the respect or the admiration for women that you would expect for somebody who holds this exalted office,” he told CNN Thursday evening.

Cobb pointed to other cabinet members, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, that he believed “should be dismissed.”

California Rep issues stark warning to Trump cabinet after Bondi exit

03:05 , Mike Bedigan

Democratic congressman Ted Lieu issued a stark warning to other members of the Trump administration following the departure of Pam Bondi as Attorney General.

“Dear trump Cabinet: You may think you have impunity because dear leader will pardon you,” Lieu wrote on X.

“Think again. You never know when trump will capriciously throw you under the bus without a care for you ever again.

“I hope you think twice before violating the law. November is coming.”

Thomas Massie blasts Matt Gaetz over his praise of Pam Bondi

02:45 , Mike Bedigan

Rep. Thomas Massie, the author of the legislation to release files to Jeffrey Epstein, pushed back on former Rep. Matt Gaetz's praise of outgoing Attorney General Pam Bondi.

President Donald Trump had initially named Gaetz to be attorney general for his second term, but Gaetz withdrew his administration following an House Ethics Committee investigation. In turn, Trump nominated Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, to lead the Department of Justice.

"Pam Bondi will be known as one of the great crime fighters of our time," Gaetz said. "She is a patriot who has all of our appreciation."

Gaetz also praised acting attorney general Todd Blanche, Trump's former lawyer, who is now deputy attorney general.

"Todd Blanche left his comfortable job at a major firm to defend President Trump against horrendous lawfare," Gaetz said. "He has shown moral courage, strength and exquisite legal talent."

Massie responded tersely. "April Fools was yesterday," he said.

Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California led the discharge petition to release files related to Epstein

Epstein survivors 'celebrating but angry' following Bondi's exit

02:20 , Eric Garcia

Lara Blume McGee, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein said she wanted to see accountability for the men responsible for the horrific crimes committed against his victims, following the departure of Pam Bondi from the Justice Department.

"So we're celebrating in one sense, but we're angry, because the men need to be held accountable," she told The Independent.

McGee said that so far, the only members of the Trump administration who have faced accountability and lost their jobs have been women.

She also compared it to how Epstein's former partner, facilitator and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced for her actions, but male abusers have not been.

"Noem, Bondi, even Ghislaine – and Ghislaine recruited me, so she's where she belongs – but it's all of the women that are in trouble, and they're having to do the perp walk," she said.

"They're having the embarrassment."

Epstein survivor says Bondi 'taking the fall' for powerful men

02:00 , Eric Garcia

Attorney General Pam Bondi's resignation has caused some of Jeffrey Epstein's survivors to simultaneously celebrate given her botched release of the files.

But they also want to see long-term accountability.

"There is no joy or excitement with the reports of her firing," Lara Blume McGee, a survivor of the late disgraced sex offender, told The Independent.

"This is simply another example of misogyny where women are taking the fall while the men who committed these atrocious acts keep their jobs or go unpunished."

McGee was among the survivors of Epstein who attended Bondi's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in February and raised her hand when asked whether they had been able to meet with Bondi.

"I wanted her to feel my stare, and I was not going to look away, because this is a woman," she said.

“No, what happened was not her fault, but to acknowledge us and say, 'sisters, ladies, I'm sorry for what happened to you,' that's all, that's it.”

Former White House Chief of Staff says Todd Blanche must be kept at DOJ

01:45 , Mike Bedigan

ICYMI: Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

01:06 , Mike Bedigan

Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after a tumultuous 14 months leading a radically transformed and politically driven Department of Justice.

Trump’s former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general after Bondi’s departure.

Here’s Alex Woodward with the full story, in case you missed it:

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Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

Bondi tried to change Trump's mind over her firing: report

Friday 3 April 2026 00:45 , Mike Bedigan

Pam Bondi reportedly begged Donald Trump not to fire her from her role as Attorney General.

“She was unhappy and tried to change his mind,” a source close to the matter told The Daily Mail.

The president informed Bondi of his decision shortly before he delivered his primetime address to the nation on the Iran War on Wednesday evening, the source said.

The announcement of Bondi’s departure was reportedly due to be made Friday, though it was brought forward after extensive speculation in the media overnight, the source added.

Read Pam Bondi's full statement on departure

Friday 3 April 2026 00:26 , Mike Bedigan

Here’s Pam Bondi’s full statement, posted on X, following news she would be stepping down as Attorney General:

Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche before moving to an important private sector role I am thrilled about, and where I will continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration.

Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history.

Since February 2025, we have secured the lowest murder rate in 125 years, secured first-ever terrorism convictions against members of Antifa, shattered domestic and transnational gangs across the country, taken custody of more than 90 key cartel figures, and won 24 favorable rulings at the Supreme Court. I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again.

White House denies report that Trump also considered firing Tulsi Gabbard

Friday 3 April 2026 00:23 , Mike Bedigan

The White House has denied reports that Donald Trump also considered firing National Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard.

“@POTUS has total confidence in @DNIGabbard, and any insinuation otherwise is totally fake news,” White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung wrote.

“The President has assembled the most talented and impactful Cabinet ever, and they have collectively delivered historic victories on behalf of the American people."

Here’s more on that story:

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Trump polled advisors on whether to fire Tulsi Gabbard as well as Bondi: report

Watch: Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi following Epstein files debacle

Friday 3 April 2026 00:07 , Mike Bedigan

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reportedly removes top uniformed officer from Army as US wages war in Iran

Thursday 2 April 2026 23:49 , Mike Bedigan

Amid the reaction to Bondi’s firing, the Pentagon announced the exit of one of its own top officials.

The Army’s top general, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, will be retiring immediately, according to the Defense Department, an unusual departure amid the ongoing war with Iran.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly demanded George’s resignation.

Josh Marcus has more:

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Pete Hegseth reportedly removes top Army general as US wages war in Iran

Advocacy group says Bondi's firing is a 'momentous win'

Thursday 2 April 2026 23:38 , Mike Bedigan

UltraViolet Action, a leading national women-led gender-justice organization, has hailed Pam Bondi’s firing from the Justice Department as a “momentous win.”

“This is a momentous win not just for survivors everywhere, but also the millions of Americans who continue to demand accountability for all those who enabled Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s child abuse network,” said Arisha Hatch, Executive Director at UltraViolet.

“Pam Bondi will be remembered for her unconscionable politicking around the Epstein files. She will go down as one of the many figures in this administration who were all too happy to protect abusers and their enablers.”

Ultraviolet is responsible for numerous victories against sexual predators like Harvey Weinstein, R Kelly, and Bill O’Reilly, according to the organization’s website.

Trump’s former hush money lawyer Todd Blanche is now in charge of the Epstein files release

Thursday 2 April 2026 23:21 , Mike Bedigan

The man set to lead the Department of Justice after Pam Bondi’s departure mounted the defense of Donald Trump through his criminal prosecutions and the weeks-long hush money trial that led to the first ever conviction of a president.

Todd Blanche, who Trump appointed as deputy attorney general, will take on the role of acting attorney general following Bondi’s ousting.

Here’s Alex Woodward with a deeper dive on Bondi’s replacement:

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Trump’s hush money lawyer will be acting attorney general after Bondi’s firing

Ro Khanna urges Dems to vote against Bondi replacement until DOJ obeys Congress

Thursday 2 April 2026 23:00 , Mike Bedigan

Rep. Ro Khanna, one of the most vocal advocates for the full release of the Epstein Files, has urged Senate democrats to vote against Pam Bondi's replacement until the DOJ stops stonewalling congress over the documents’ release.

Border Czar Tom Homan speaks out on Bondi firing

Thursday 2 April 2026 22:45 , Mike Bedigan

Border Czar Tom Homan has spoken out after Donald Trump fired Pam Bondi as attorney general.

"I wasn't in the loop on that,” Homan told Fox News Thursday.

"I have her personal phone number, we talk quite a bit... I wish Pam Bondi the best, and I think Todd Blanche will step up and won't skip a beat."

Epstein survivors call Pam Bondi’s firing ‘karma’ but worry it’s just Trump being ‘performative’

Thursday 2 April 2026 22:25 , Mike Bedigan

Sexual abuse survivors of Jeffrey Epstein celebrated President Donald Trump’s dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday, even as they worried about who might replace her.

Jess Michaels, a survivor of the convicted sex trafficker, told The Independent that she had two immediate reactions to Bondi’s dismissal.

Read more here from Eric Garcia:

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Epstein survivors call Pam Bondi’s firing ‘karma’ but worry it’s just ‘performative’

Epstein survivor advocacy group releases statement on Bondi's departure

Thursday 2 April 2026 22:11 , Mike Bedigan

Advocacy group World Without Exploitation, which has been working with Epstein survivors, released the following statement following Pam Bondi’s departure from office.

“Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice made numerous errors in how the release of files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act was handled.

“Serious redaction failures exposed survivors’ names and identifying information. Simultaneously, the DOJ continued to protect abusers by blacking out their names and withholding documents. These failures have caused devastating harm to the very survivors this process was supposed to protect and empower.”

The group added that as the DOJ moved forward under new leadership, “survivors must be at the center of the process.”

Survivors deserve accountability, not more mistakes that put them in harm’s way. We will not stop until the full truth is revealed and survivors receive the transparency and justice they have fought for,” the statement read.

Family of prominent Epstein survivor releases statement

Thursday 2 April 2026 22:01 , Brendan Rascius

The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent Epstein survivors, who died last year, released a statement in response to Pam Bondi’s dismissal.

“Alliance to a corrupt agenda never serves you,” the family wrote. “Another one falls on the sword to protect the powerful! We hope she has the courage to testify and actually do right by survivors this time.”

Bondi is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on her handling of the Epstein files next month.

Trump had grown 'more and more frustrated' with Bondi: report

Thursday 2 April 2026 21:42 , Brendan Rascius

President Trump had grown “more and more frustrated” with Pam Bondi in the days leading up to her firing, sources familiar with the matter told NBC News on Thursday.

Two sources told the outlet that the president and Bondi got into a heated exchange last week, though they didn’t clarify what the argument was about.

The White House viewed Bondi as preoccupied with the wrong priorities and unable to effectively carry out the president’s agenda. And, since the Epstein controversy began, she “had struggled to regain her footing with the president,” NBC reported.

Democrat says Bondi will 'go down as one of the worst Attorneys General in American history'

Thursday 2 April 2026 21:02 , Brendan Rascius

Rep. Tim Kennedy, a New York Democrat, said Pam Bondi will “go down as one of the worst Attorneys General in American history.”

In a post on X, he accused her of weaponizing the Justice Department against President Trump’s foes and seriously mishandling the Epstein files.

“My message to Attorney General Bondi is simple: good riddance for now - we’ll see you testifying under oath before the House Oversight committee soon,” he added.

Bondi is scheduled to testify before the committee about her handling of the Epstein files next month.

Bondi's approval rating stood at just 23 percent before she was fired, poll shows

Thursday 2 April 2026 20:44 , Brendan Rascius

Before Pam Bondi was fired, her approval rating was unenviable.

According to a YouGov survey released late last month, just 23 percent of Americans had a favorable view of the former attorney general. More than twice that share, 48 percent, said they had an unfavorable opinion of her.

Trump was 'frustrated' with Bondi over comments he believes she made to Democratic lawmaker: report

Thursday 2 April 2026 20:38 , Brendan Rascius

Before he fired Pam Bondi, President Trump was irritated with her over communications he believes she had with a Democratic lawmaker, according to Semafor.

“Trump was also frustrated with Bondi because he believes she may have alerted California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell to an effort by the administration to release files from an investigation into his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy,” a source told the outlet.

Trump polled advisors on whether to fire Tulsi Gabbard as well as Bondi: report

Thursday 2 April 2026 20:34 , Brendan Rascius

Donald Trump has reportedly polled cabinet officials on whether he should fire his director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard over her stance on the war in Iran.

Gabbard is said to have attracted the president's displeasure after failing to condemn former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent following his dramatic exit last month, in which he quit his post and criticised the administration's decision to take the U.S. to war with Iran.

Harry Cockburn reports...

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Trump polled advisors on if he should replace Tulsi Gabbard, report says

Bondi speaks out after Trump fired her

Thursday 2 April 2026 20:20 , Brendan Rascius

Pam Bondi has spoken out after President Donald Trump fired her as attorney general.

In a statement posted on X, she boasted that she oversaw “easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history” and added she is “eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me.”

She said she will be transitioning to the private sector “over the next month.”

Laura Loomer says Bondi is a 'nice person' but she failed to meet the moment

Thursday 2 April 2026 20:03 , Brendan Rascius

Laura Loomer, a MAGA activist with close ties to the president, posted a lengthy statement about Pam Bondi in which she described her as “a nice person” but said she ultimately failed to meet the moment.

“At the end of the day, @PamBondi didn’t meet all of President Trump’s expectations as US Attorney General, but she is nonetheless a nice person and I do believe her heart is in the right place, even if we didn’t see as many arrests as we wanted and even though she fumbled the Epstein Files release,” Loomer wrote on X.

A number of figures are being floated to replace Bondi: reports

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:57 , Brendan Rascius

Some GOP lawmakers are urging the White House to nominate Utah Senator Mike Lee to replace Pam Bondi, sources told NOTUS.

Other figures reportedly being floated for the top job at the Justice Department are EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, according to Axios.

Lauren Boebert pokes fun at Bondi: 'DOW fell below 50,000?'

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:47 , Brendan Rascius

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert took a jab at former Attorney General Pam Bondi, poking fun at her widely criticized remark about stock prices.

“DOW fell below 50,000?” the Republican firebrand wrote on X shortly after Bondi was fired.

She appeared to be referencing Bondi’s sworn testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in February. After she was slammed by a Democratic congressman for failing to indict co-conspirators of Jeffrey Epstein, she responded: “The Dow is over 50,000 right now.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has been below 50,000 for weeks.

Matt Gaetz, who Trump once nominated to serve as AG, praises Bondi and Blanche

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:37 , Brendan Rascius

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz praised both Bondi and Blanche.

“Pam Bondi will be known as one of the great crime fighters of our time. She is a patriot who has all of our appreciation,” the ex-congressman wrote on X.

“Todd Blanche left his comfortable job at a major firm to defend President Trump against horrendous lawfare,” he added. “He has shown moral courage, strength and exquisite legal talent.”

Trump previously nominated Gaetz to serve as his attorney general, but he withdrew his name from consideration following controversy surrounding a House Ethics Committee report on his behavior.

Here's a look back at the key moments in Bondi's Epstein saga

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:31 , Brendan Rascius

Pam Bondi’s dismissal on Thursday capped off a turbulent 14-month tenure atop the Department of Justice, one that was defined by her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Here is a brief look back at key moments in the saga:

  • February 2025: Bondi told Fox News that the Epstein list was “sitting on my desk right now.”
  • July 2025: In a memo, the DOJ concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to charge third parties in connection to Epstein and that an incriminating “client list” did not appear to exist.
  • November 2025: In response to growing public outcry, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act and Trump signed it into law. The measure mandated that the DOJ release all of its records on Epstein within 30 days. However, the department failed to meet this deadline, and despite releasing millions of files, many were heavily redacted.
  • March 2026: The House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi. She is now required to provide testimony on her handling of the Epstein investigation.

Epstein survivor says 'this is not about a single person' in response to Bondi's dismissal

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:16 , Brendan Rascius

Annie Farmer, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein, issued a statement in response to President Trump firing Pam Bondi.

“This is not about a single person,” she wrote. “It is about a government and judicial system that has repeatedly failed Epstein survivors.

“Regardless of who holds power, survivors deserve accountability, transparency, protection from retaliation, and assurance that those who enabled Epstein, Maxwell, and others will be investigated and, if appropriate, prosecuted,” Farmer added.

Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries to Bondi: ‘Good riddance’

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:12 , Brendan Rascius

The two top Democrats in Congress both delivered the same message to Pam Bondi after she was ousted by Trump: “Good riddance.”

“Pam Bondi was the wrong choice from the start,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries chimed in that “Pete Hegseth is next.”

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 2, 2026

Republicans come out in support of Bondi and wish her well in the private sector

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:09 , Brendan Rascius

Multiple Republicans have come out in support of Bondi, lauding her leadership at the DOJ and wishing her well in the private sector.

“Thank you to Pam Bondi for her service to our nation,” Florida Rep. Daniel Webster said. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the rule of law and to serving the American people.”

“Attorney General @PamBondi has been a tireless public servant who delivered real results and justice for the American people,” Florida Rep. Jimmy Patronis added.

Nancy Mace says ex-AG 'seriously undermined President Trump'

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:02 , Eric Garcia

Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, one of three Republicans who joined the discharge petition to force a vote to release the files related to Epstein, lambasted Attorney General Pam Bondi for her handling of the Epstein files.

"Bondi handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and seriously undermined President Trump," she said in a post on X.

Mace is running for governor of South Carolina and is angling for President Donald Trump's endorsement. Nonetheless, she has called for transparency with the files. She had previously joined Democrats to vote to subpoena Bondi.

"She has stonewalled every effort to hold the guilty accountable," Mace said. "The American people deserve an Attorney General who is transparent and delivers real accountability. We look forward to a new Attorney General who is committed to getting justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein."

Democratic Party mocks Bondi with 'open to work' meme

Thursday 2 April 2026 19:00 , Brendan Rascius

The Democratic Party’s official X account mocked Bondi, posting a Linkedin-style photo of her with the banner “open to work.”

Advocacy group president says Bondi 'trivialized’ the DOJ and ‘the sanctity of law’

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:58 , Brendan Rascius

Lisa Gilbert, the co-president of Public Citizen, who testified against Bondi’s confirmation, issued a sharp rebuke of the ex-attorney general’s 14-month tenure.

“No one can be loyal enough,” Gilbert said in a statement. “No one can punish Trump’s enemies fast enough. Pam Bondi took the DOJ in a lawless, non-independent, shameful direction, and the institution of justice has suffered as a result. Bondi has trivialized the DOJ, the sanctity of law and the attorney general position.”

Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded by Ralph Nader, has sued the administration more than two dozen times.

Lawmakers clarify that, despite her dismissal, Bondi still must testify under oath

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:51 , Brendan Rascius

A number of lawmakers have clarified that, despite her dismissal by Trump, Pam Bondi is still obligated to appear before the House Oversight Committee.

The committee voted on March 4 to subpoena Bondi to testify about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files.

“This does not get her out of that bipartisan, lawful subpoena,” Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat wrote on X. “We will see her soon.”

Thomas Massie asks followers whether Trump was right to fire Pam Bondi

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:45 , Brendan Rascius

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act, posted a poll on social media about Bondi’s dismissal.

“I support Trump firing Pam Bondi,” he wrote on X. “Do you?”

Users could then select between two options: “He was right to fire her” and “He should have kept her.”

“I hope the next AG will release all the Epstein files according to the law and follow up with investigations, prosecutions, and arrests,” he added.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praises Bondi’s leadership

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:41 , Brendan Rascius

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who will now serve as acting attorney general, praised Bondi’s leadership.

“Pam Bondi led this Department with strength and conviction and I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship,” Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, wrote on X.

“Thank you to President Trump for the trust and the opportunity to serve as Acting Attorney General,” he added. “We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe.”

ICYMI: Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:37 , Brendan Rascius

Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after a tumultuous 14 months leading a radically transformed and politically driven Department of Justice.

Trump’s former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general after Bondi’s departure.

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

Alex Woodward reports...

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Trump ousts Pam Bondi as attorney general in major shakeup

A number of Democrats have celebrated Bondi’s departure from the DOJ

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:36 , Brendan Rascius

“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out @AGPamBondi,” Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig wrote on X, while New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat wrote that “she won’t be missed.”

“@AGPamBondi has failed our country by overseeing the largest White House cover up in history to protect child sex predators — including Donald Trump—from accountability,” Colorado Rep. Brittany Pettersen added. “She is a disgrace and should have never held her position.”

Read Trump’s Truth Social post about Pam Bondi

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:31 , Brendan Rascius

Below is the Truth Social post in which Trump confirms Bondi’s departure from the Department of Justice.

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Nancy Mace says she welcomes news of Bondi's dismissal

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:27 , Brendan Rascius

Rep. Nancy Mace expressed satisfaction with Pam Bondi’s dismissal.

“Bondi handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and made this situation far worse than it had to be for President Trump,” the South Carolina Republican wrote on X. “I look forward to a new Attorney General committed to getting justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.”

Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi

Thursday 2 April 2026 18:20 , Brendan Rascius

Multiple outlets, including CNN and Fox News, reported that Bondi was ousted by Trump on Thursday.

View Original Article

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