Trump Considers Replacing Attorney General Bondi

Sources say the president is dissatisfied with the Justice Department's pursuit of his priorities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:53pm

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President Trump is seriously considering replacing Pam Bondi as attorney general due to dissatisfaction with how aggressively the Justice Department has pursued some of his priorities, according to sources familiar with the matter. White House officials have discussed several possibilities as options for attorney general, with Senate-confirmed EPA administrator Lee Zeldin seen as the likely replacement.

Why it matters

The attorney general plays a crucial role in setting the Justice Department's agenda and priorities. Trump's potential replacement of Bondi, a loyal political ally, signals his desire for a more aggressive approach from the department in investigating his perceived opponents.

The details

During Bondi's tenure, the Justice Department has pursued a variety of criminal investigations into Trump's political opponents, but most have not proven successful. Trump is frustrated that there haven't been more indictments and arrests. Bondi, who has defended Trump as a private attorney and as the nation's top law enforcement official, is viewed as a loyal political ally to the president and was part of his legal team during his first impeachment.

  • On Tuesday, Trump met with Zeldin.
  • As of Thursday, no final decision had been made.

The players

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General, who has defended Trump as a private attorney and as the nation's top law enforcement official.

Lee Zeldin

The Senate-confirmed administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, who is seen as the likely replacement for Bondi as Attorney General.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is considering replacing Bondi as Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“Attorney General Pam Bondi is a wonderful person and she is doing a good job.”

— Donald Trump, President

What’s next

Nothing was final as of Thursday, and the president could still decide to keep Bondi in her role.

The takeaway

Trump's potential replacement of Bondi signals his desire for a more aggressive approach from the Justice Department in investigating his perceived political opponents, even if most of the department's past efforts have not proven successful.