Zeldin Eyed as Bondi's Replacement to Lead DOJ

New York Brief reports on the search for the nation's next top prosecutor

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:12am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or courthouse interior, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and transition.The search for a new US Attorney General signals a potential shift in the administration's legal priorities and approach.Albany Today

According to Bloomberg sources, former US Representative Lee Zeldin of New York's Long Island is under consideration to replace Pam Bondi as US Attorney General after President Donald Trump fired her. Zeldin, who currently serves as the EPA administrator, previously represented Suffolk County in the US House for four terms before unsuccessfully running for governor against Kathy Hochul in 2022.

Why it matters

The US Attorney General is a critical position that oversees the Department of Justice, and Zeldin's potential nomination would signal a shift in the administration's legal priorities and approach. As a former congressman and current EPA administrator, Zeldin's background and policy positions could significantly impact the DOJ's focus and direction.

The details

Zeldin, an Albany Law School graduate, has sought to cut the EPA's size and scope since his 2025 confirmation as administrator. If nominated and confirmed as Attorney General, he would replace Pam Bondi, who was fired by President Trump.

  • Zeldin currently serves as the EPA administrator, a position he has held since 2025.

The players

Lee Zeldin

A former US Representative from New York's Long Island who is under consideration to replace Pam Bondi as US Attorney General.

Pam Bondi

The former US Attorney General who was fired by President Trump.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who Zeldin unsuccessfully ran against in 2022.

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What’s next

If nominated, Zeldin would need to be confirmed by the US Senate before taking over as US Attorney General.

The takeaway

Zeldin's potential nomination as US Attorney General would signal a shift in the administration's legal priorities, given his background as a former congressman and current EPA administrator focused on reducing the agency's size and scope.