New York, April 2 – US President Donald Trump has fired his controversial Attorney General, Pam Bondi, announcing the decision in a carefully worded post on Truth Social on Thursday.
This is the second Cabinet official to be dismissed by Trump, following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5.
President Trump stated that he was appointing Bondi's Deputy, Todd Blanche, as the Acting Attorney General.
"We appreciate Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new role in the private sector, which will be announced in the near future," he added.
In his social media post, carefully worded to minimize fallout, President Trump praised Bondi as a "Great American Patriot and a loyal friend who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year."
"Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown on crime across our country, with murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900," the US President added.
The Attorney General in the US has extensive powers as the head of the Department of Justice, performing some functions similar to those of a Home Minister in other government structures.
Considered the top law enforcement official in the country, the Attorney General controls powerful agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
President Trump was reportedly displeased with Bondi's release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child molester who was involved in high-level circles.
To his embarrassment, Trump's name appeared in the documents, although there was nothing incriminating about him.
Several high-profile officials connected to both political parties, including former Democratic President Bill Clinton, were also mentioned in the documents.
Bondi has been close to President Trump, serving on the legal team defending him during impeachment trials.
She had previously served as the Attorney General of the state of Florida.
The US Justice Department has been embroiled in several controversies, including the targeting of President Trump's political opponents.
Several lawyers and other officials within the Department have resigned due to their disagreements with Bondi.
Bondi was also under pressure from Trump to quickly prosecute those he considered had crossed paths with him.