The Donald Trump administration has, in the last two months, seen two high-profile departures with the firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent. It seems another name could be added to that list, soon.
On Wednesday, CNN and the New York Times claimed that the President has “considered” firing US Attorney General Pam Bondi, in what could be a sign of monumental rift in the Trump administration. Trump’s consideration came in the backdrop of how Bondi handled the Jeffrey Epstein files and the subsequent frustration it led to within Trump’s supporter base.
Earlier, Kristi Noem’s departure as DHS came after she was grilled about her affair with a Trump advisor, Corey Lewandowski, in a House Judiciary Committee hearing on her handling of the DHS. Trump subsequently also reportedly fired Lewandowski from his role in the White House.
With Bondi, Trump seems to be considering a preemptive step, as the AG is set to face a Congressional hearing later in April related to the Epstein investigation. According to the sources cited by CNN, Trump asked around about whether he should fire Bondi.
However, the sources said that Trump is yet to make up his mind on Bondi’s future ahead of the Congressional hearing. In response to the CNN request for comment on the claims, Trump said Bondi is a “wonderful person” who is “doing a good job.”
Bondi faces criticism for heavily redacting and delaying the release of Epstein files and violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act’s deadlines. Democrat lawmakers accuse her of cover-up, prioritizing political protection over victim justice and transparency.
Also read: Where is Pam Bondi? AG leaves Washington DC residence, moves into secure military base amid rising threats
What To Know About Pam Bondi’s Hearing
Pam Bondi is scheduled to appear for the subpoenaed deposition before the House Oversight Committee on April 14, Tuesday. She will face questions on the DOJ’s handling of Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
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It will be private session, and the media will not be allowed inside. The session was announced by Chairman James Comer after a bipartisan subpoena vote on March 4. The Committee plans to probe compliance issues, including redactions and withheld documents amid accusations of a cover-up from both parties.
This follows her contentious public testimony on February 11 before the House Judiciary Committee on broader DOJ oversight issues.
