Trump Considers Replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sources Say/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has privately discussed removing Attorney General Pam Bondi, sources say. Frustration over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and political pressure fueled the discussions. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has emerged as a potential replacement, though no decision has been made.
Trump Bondi Ouster Quick Looks
- Trump privately discusses firing Pam Bondi
- Epstein files controversy fuels frustration
- Lee Zeldin mentioned as possible replacement
- Trump publicly says Bondi “doing a good job”
- Bondi facing upcoming congressional deposition
- West Wing discussions resurfaced this week
- White House chief of staff defended Bondi
- Trump also frustrated over investigations of rivals
- Bondi confirmed as attorney general in 2025
- Zeldin former New York congressman and EPA chief
- Trump recently removed Homeland Security Secretary
- No final decision made by president
Deep Look: Trump Privately Discusses Replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has privately discussed removing Attorney General Pam Bondi and replacing her with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, according to multiple sources familiar with the conversations.
The discussions come as Trump faces growing pressure from segments of his political base over the administration’s handling of files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sources told CNN that Trump has expressed frustration over Bondi’s handling of the issue and her perceived failure to aggressively investigate political opponents.
Despite those private frustrations, Trump publicly voiced support for Bondi this week. In a statement, the president called Bondi “a wonderful person” who is “doing a good job.”
Bondi accompanied Trump Wednesday as he attended Supreme Court arguments related to birthright citizenship and later listened to his address to the nation regarding the Iran conflict. According to sources, Trump and Bondi have also held multiple conversations in recent days described as routine discussions.
Epstein Files Controversy
The Epstein investigation has become a recurring political challenge for Bondi and the Justice Department. Bondi is expected to testify later this month before Congress as lawmakers continue probing the handling of the case.
The controversy intensified after Bondi said in a February 2025 television interview that an Epstein client list was “sitting on my desk right now.” Later, the Justice Department clarified that no such list existed. Bondi subsequently explained that she was referring to broader investigative materials, including flight logs and documents.
The episode fueled criticism from Trump supporters who have demanded greater transparency about the Epstein case.
Replacement Talks Resurface
Sources say Trump first floated the idea of replacing Bondi with Lee Zeldin earlier this year, but the discussions faded as media attention around Epstein declined. However, the possibility resurfaced earlier this week as internal frustrations grew.
While Zeldin has been mentioned most frequently, sources say Trump has discussed other potential candidates as well and has not made a final decision.
Zeldin, a former New York congressman and military veteran, ran unsuccessfully for New York governor in 2022. He remained close to Trump afterward and regularly appeared at Mar-a-Lago during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Since joining the administration as EPA administrator, Zeldin has maintained a prominent role in Trump’s cabinet and is seen as a loyal ally.
Bondi Has Allies Inside White House
Bondi also retains strong supporters within the administration. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has defended Bondi during periods when Trump grew frustrated, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
However, Wiles previously acknowledged that Bondi’s handling of the Epstein issue fell short. In remarks to Vanity Fair, Wiles reportedly said the attorney general had “completely whiffed” in managing the controversy.
Recent Cabinet Shakeups
Trump’s discussions about Bondi follow the recent removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who became the first cabinet official dismissed during Trump’s second term. The move signaled Trump’s willingness to reshuffle senior leadership when dissatisfied.
Bondi was confirmed as attorney general in 2025 after Trump’s first nominee, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew due to insufficient support in the Senate. Bondi secured confirmation in a 54–46 vote, largely along party lines.
During her confirmation hearings, Bondi pledged not to target individuals for political reasons, referencing past investigations involving Trump.
No Final Decision Yet
Sources stress that Trump has not reached a final decision on Bondi’s future. The president has publicly expressed confidence in her performance while privately exploring potential alternatives.
For now, Bondi remains in her role, though the renewed discussions suggest uncertainty about her long-term position as attorney general.
As political pressure surrounding the Epstein case continues and Trump weighs leadership changes, the future of the Justice Department’s top official remains unclear.
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