Donald Trump publicly praises Pam Bondi, but whispers behind closed doors say he already signed the end of her story

President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi, with EPA administrator Lee Zeldin emerging as a potential successor. Bondi’s standing within the MAGA world has taken several hits recently. Trump has reportedly expressed frustration over her perceived ineffectiveness in pursuing his political adversaries. 

Sources familiar with these private conversations told The New York Times that Trump has floated Zeldin’s name for the role. While no final decision has been made, Trump publicly stated that Bondi “is a wonderful person and she is doing a good job.” In October, Trump posted a lengthy message, reportedly meant to be private, urging Bondi to bring criminal charges against Senator Adam Schiff and former FBI Director James Comey.

Bondi’s biggest problems, however, stem from her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Her claim that the files were “sitting on my desk right now” raised eyebrows immediately. Things got worse when she distributed binders of these documents to a handful of MAGA influencers, a move that reportedly blindsided the White House.

Bondi’s Epstein file mishandling has cost her support from both Republicans and the MAGA base

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles publicly criticized Bondi for giving out “binders full of nothingness” that purported to be part of a file that “sure as hell wasn’t on her desk.” Calls for Bondi’s resignation intensified as the Justice Department began releasing heavily redacted Epstein files. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Bondi for her testimony, signaling serious disapproval from lawmakers.

Her House Judiciary Committee hearing made things worse. Bondi drew harsh criticism, even from within Trump’s own party, when she steered the conversation toward stock market figures instead of addressing Epstein questions, claiming Democrats were focusing on Epstein to avoid talking about how “the Dow right now is over 50,000.” 

As many as 20 Republicans are reportedly prepared to back an effort to punish her for slow-walking the release of materials. Five Republicans joined with Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to subpoena her testimony. Rep. Tim Burchett, one of the Republicans who voted to subpoena her, said, “I just think it’s time to get some answers. She’s in the batter’s box. I’d say … let her hit.”

Under Bondi’s leadership, the DOJ missed the statutory deadline to comply with a new law requiring all Epstein files to be made public, a law co-sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna. Officials later claimed the department had fulfilled its obligations, despite withholding case files and making redactions that appeared to go beyond what the law permitted. 

According to Politico, Rep. Nancy Mace said, “I’m not impressed with Bondi on the Epstein files, and I’ll make that abundantly clear when I depose her whenever that day comes,” adding that Bondi “has lost a lot of support among the base [and] up here as well.”

Under continued pressure, the DOJ released more Epstein files late Thursday, including witness interviews with a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by President Trump when she was young. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, has not been charged with any crime, and the White House has stated the accusations are baseless and lack credibility. 

Rep. Robert Garcia stated, “The world is watching as Pam Bondi continues to aid this White House cover-up. We look forward to having her testify under oath before the Oversight Committee as soon as possible.”

Despite the mounting pressure, the White House has publicly defended Bondi. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson pointed to Trump’s comments calling Bondi a “terrific person” and said, “Attorney General Pam Bondi has worked tirelessly to successfully implement the President’s law and order agenda. The President has full faith in the Attorney General.” 

Some House Republicans also insist Bondi still has broad support within their conference, viewing her critics as outliers. Rep. Massie, however, pointed to the recent removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as evidence that Trump’s cabinet members are dispensable; a pattern also visible in how other cabinet members have faced White House pressure. “I guess it shows it’s possible that he would, you know, replace people,” he said.