Democrats have welcomed Donald Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi, accusing her of overseeing a cover-up of files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi’s departure was announced by Trump on Truth Social, who said she would transition to a new job in the private sector. Her deputy, Todd Blanche, will serve as acting attorney general.
Since her confirmation in February 2025, Bondi faced criticism from Democrats for undermining the Justice Department’s independence and using it to retaliate against Trump’s political enemies. Representative Angie Craig wrote on X: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries predicted that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth “is next”.
Several Democrats highlighted Bondi’s handling of the Epstein case. She initially claimed to have received a list of powerful associates of Epstein, only to later declare the investigation closed, sparking a backlash that led Congress to pass a law releasing government files over Trump’s objections. Representative Robert Garcia, who subpoenaed Bondi for testimony, said: “Attorney General Pam Bondi has been leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files.”
Senator Chris Coons described Bondi’s performance as “terrible” but warned that Trump might seek an even more subservient replacement. Representative Don Beyer criticised the appointment of Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump, saying: “The DoJ is not a personal law firm.”
Republicans offered praise for Bondi. Senator Rick Scott called her “a great friend and one of the best lawyers I’ve ever met”, while Senator Lindsey Graham said she “has done a great job”. Bondi’s firing came as the House oversight committee continues to investigate the government’s handling of the Epstein files.
