Donald Trump has privately discussed dismissing Attorney General Pam Bondi and potentially replacing her with Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin, according to several people familiar with the discussions.
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Sources say the president has voiced frustration over criticism from supporters about the administration’s handling of records connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi also faces a deposition later this month before lawmakers investigating matters tied to Epstein.
Trump weighs possible leadership change
Those familiar with the conversations say Trump has asked advisers about possible replacements and complained that Bondi has not pursued investigations against political opponents as aggressively as he expected.
However, sources say no final decision has been made on Bondi’s future.
Despite the private discussions, Trump publicly backed the attorney general. In a statement, he said Bondi was “a wonderful person” who is performing well in the role.
Bondi remains active in administration
Bondi appeared alongside Trump on Wednesday, travelling in the presidential motorcade during his visit to the Supreme Court for arguments concerning birthright citizenship. She also attended remarks the president delivered later that evening on the conflict involving Iran.
The Justice Department referred questions to the White House statement. A person familiar with the matter said Trump and Bondi have spoken several times in recent days and described the exchanges as routine discussions about government business.
The idea of replacing Bondi with Zeldin was first raised earlier in the year. According to sources, the possibility surfaced in January but faded as attention on the Epstein investigation declined.
Some senior Justice Department officials had believed the issue had largely moved out of the spotlight after months of controversy surrounding files related to the case.
Epstein files controversy resurfaces
Concerns resurfaced this week after reports circulated within the White House that Trump had again discussed replacing Bondi. While Zeldin has been mentioned frequently, people familiar with the matter say he is not necessarily the only candidate under consideration.
Bondi has faced scrutiny over comments she made in early 2025 regarding documents tied to Epstein. In a television interview, she said a client list connected to the investigation was on her desk for review.
The Justice Department later said no such list existed. Bondi subsequently clarified that she had been referring broadly to investigative material, including flight logs and other documents, rather than a single list of names.
Allies defend Bondi inside White House
Bondi maintains support from several senior figures in the administration, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Sources say Wiles has previously intervened when Trump expressed doubts about the attorney general’s performance.
In comments reported earlier by Vanity Fair, Wiles acknowledged Bondi had mishandled aspects of the Epstein-related issue but still backed her.
The discussion comes after Trump removed another senior cabinet official earlier in his second term, dismissing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Bondi was not Trump’s first choice for the position. The president initially nominated former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, but he withdrew from consideration after failing to secure enough support from Republican senators.
Bondi was confirmed as attorney general in 2025 by a 54–46 Senate vote, largely along party lines. During confirmation hearings, she pledged that the Justice Department would not target individuals for political reasons.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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