U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected reports that President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Pam Bondi was related to dissatisfaction with her handling of the Epstein files. Blanche told Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Thursday, “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.”
Bondi was fired last week, marking Trump’s second Cabinet shakeup in a month after he dismissed and reassigned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5. Blanche also dismissed a report from the Daily Mail claiming Trump believed Bondi tipped off Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., about the FBI’s plan to release files on Chinese spy Christine Fang. “I would not believe that for a second — absolutely, positively not,” Blanche said.
The New York Times reported that Trump was unhappy with Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files. Blanche emphasized that he and Bondi managed the matter and that the Justice Department has released all files related to the Epstein saga. “What happened when the president signed the Transparency Act is the Department of Justice has now released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga,” he said. “We have made every single congressman, senator available to come and see any document redacted, unredacted.”
Trump confirmed Bondi’s departure via a post on Truth Social, praising her as a “Great American Patriot” and a “loyal friend.” He stated she will transition to the private sector. Blanche also praised Bondi for her service, saying, “We are a better Justice Department, we are safer as a nation, and we should all be very grateful to the attorney general for her sacrifice for this country and for what she did.”
Trump announced on Truth Social that he would step into Bondi’s role temporarily until a permanent replacement is appointed. The White House is reportedly considering Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin for the position, with discussions taking place during a recent meeting, a source told Fox News Digital.
Blanche expressed his commitment to the department’s work, stating, “The Department of Justice is working hard every day. It was working hard yesterday, and we’re going to keep on working hard tomorrow.” He also said he is honored to serve as acting attorney general and appreciated Bondi’s contributions over the past year.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
