President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position as America’s top law enforcement officer, ending her tenure amid mounting criticism over the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files. The longtime Trump ally will transition to an undisclosed private sector role, with her deputy Todd Blanche taking over the nation’s top legal position. Epstein Files Controversy Drives Decision Sources familiar with Trump’s thinking confirm the President grew increasingly frustrated with Bondi’s management of the Epstein case over several months. When she took office in February 2025, Bondi pledged full transparency and promised to release client lists associated with the disgraced financier who died in 2019. Instead, millions of files only came out after Congress passed legislation forcing their release. The Justice Department faced bipartisan backlash for failing to properly redact survivor information while simultaneously protecting others not identified as victims. Combative Congressional Hearing Less than two months ago, Bondi appeared before Congress in a contentious hearing where exchanges with lawmakers descended into shouting matches. During the session, she called one Democratic representative a “washed-up loser” as tensions flared over the Epstein investigation. The heated confrontation foreshadowed her departure, though Trump publicly defended her performance as recently as Thursday morning, calling her “a wonderful person” doing “a good job.” Second Major Cabinet Departure Bondi becomes the second Trump administration official ousted in recent weeks, following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s removal in March. Trump praised Bondi’s efforts in a Truth Social post, crediting her with overseeing “a massive crackdown in crime across our country.” Her successor Blanche denied media reports that the Epstein files influenced the decision, telling Fox News that Bondi “made our country safe again” and performed excellently during her first year. Congressional Response and Next Steps Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a vocal critic of the Epstein files handling, expressed hope the next Attorney General would “release all the Epstein files according to the law and follow up with investigations, prosecutions and arrests.” California Democrat Ro Khanna told BBC Newsnight that Congress should refuse to confirm Blanche unless he commits to investigating the matter thoroughly. Bondi stated she would work to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to support Trump’s agenda from her new private sector position. Sources BBC: Trump removes US Attorney General Pam Bondi