Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general following backlash over Epstein files release

Donald Trump has removed Pam Bondi as attorney general after previous criticism of her handling of the Epstein files.

The president reportedly had discussions with Bondi about her post, and has now confirmed her departure from the role, according to reports.

Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social with a post which said that Bondi would be leaving the position of attorney general.

He wrote: "Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year."

Trump went on to praise Bondi's work in reducing crime in the US, writing: "Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900."

Trump has ousted Pam Bondi (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

However, the president then confirmed that Bondi would be leaving her position, as well as alluding to her taking on another role, though he did not share what this was other than it being 'in the private sector'.

Trump wrote: "We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future."

The president also confirmed that Bondi is set to be replaced in the role by deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, writing: "Our Deputy Attorney General, and a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General."

Bondi's departure from the position has come after cross-party criticism of her handling of the release of documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, which has reportedly frustrated Trump.

Bondi was also previously accused of 'lying under oath' by Democrat Ted Lieu, who made the accusation as he was questioning her over Trump's own relationship with Epstein.

Pam Bondi has been removed as US attorney general (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Photos show the pair together, and Trump did have a connection to Epstein in the 2000s, but has denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, including sex trafficking, and says that he 'fell out' with Epstein.

Bondi also reportedly made statements about the existence of a 'client list', which caused tension among Trump's allies.

Her removal from the role came after a period of difficult private discussions between Trump and Bondi in which multiple reports have said he suggested that she was going to be ousted from her role.

Trump has also previously urged Bondi to pursue his political opponents more aggressively, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, and former FBI director James Comey, all of whom were involved in his previous impeachment.