Pam Bondi led the U.S. Justice Department in 2025 and 2026. She was the 87th U.S. attorney general. Her time in the job was short and tense.
President Donald Trump chose Bondi for the post. The Senate approved her in February 2025. Trump removed her in April 2026. Todd Blanche took over and later won Senate approval.
What the job means
The attorney general leads the Justice Department. The job has a wide reach. It covers federal crime cases and civil suits. It also has a role in FBI work.
The job is tied to the White House. Yet the law must still come first. That is why trust is so key.
Bondi before Washington
Bondi is from Tampa, Florida. She worked as a state court lawyer. She tried many crime cases over many years.
She then ran for Florida attorney general. She won and served two terms. She was the first woman in that state post.
After that, Bondi worked in private law. She also grew close to Trump’s team. She took part in his first impeachment defense.
The Justice Department’s history of Pam Bondi gives the full path from Florida law work to the federal post.
Her first months at DOJ
Bondi moved fast after she took office. DOJ changed work on crime and immigration. It also changed some civil rights work.
One early move ended a special task force. That team had tracked assets tied to Russian elites. DOJ moved more staff toward cartels and gangs.
Fans saw a clear new focus. Critics saw a loss of other work.
The Epstein files fight
The Epstein files became a key test. Congress passed a law on file release. The law sought more public access.
Our guide to the Epstein Files Transparency Act explains that law and why its deadlines mattered.
The fight had two main sides. The public wanted more facts. Victims also needed care and privacy.
Bondi faced heat from both parties. Some Trump fans also spoke out. The pace and form of the file release drew anger.
Our look at the Epstein files fight in Congress tracks that clash.
Why Bondi left
Trump removed Bondi in April 2026. News reports said he was not pleased. The Epstein files fight added to the strain.
Trump did not give one full public cause. So some parts of the choice remain unclear.
Todd Blanche then became acting attorney general. He later won Senate approval. He took the oath on August 10, 2026. Our Todd Blanche profile follows that change.
What the story shows
The top DOJ job mixes law and policy. It also sits close to politics. That mix can test public trust.
The same issue shows up elsewhere. Rules may come from many parts of government. Noah’s Outdoors gives a plain example in its guide to who sets hunting rules.
A pocket U.S. Constitution can also help. It gives a quick view of federal power when political claims get loud.
Pam Bondi’s place in the story
Bondi first made history in Florida. She then became the nation’s top law officer.
Her DOJ term lasted a bit over one year. It ended in a time of deep strain.
Fans point to her crime and border goals. Critics point to staff moves and trust issues.
The key fact now is clear. Pam Bondi is a former attorney general. Todd Blanche now holds the job.
