Trump sacks Bondi over handling of Epstein files

US President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi after growing dissatisfaction with her performance.

According to a White House official, the president was particularly frustrated by her handling of files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as well as what he saw as slow progress in prosecuting his critics and political opponents.

Bondi had advanced Trump’s agenda during her tenure and, critics say, eroded the Justice Department’s long-standing independence from the White House. She also faced repeated criticism over the department’s management of documents linked to Epstein, including concerns about the classification and possible mishandling of sensitive material.

The controversy surrounding the Epstein dossier has fuelled political pressure among Trump’s allies and renewed scrutiny of his past contacts with the convicted sex offender. The release of millions of pages of documents failed to quell the unrest, with lawmakers criticising heavy redactions and the disclosure of some victims’ identities.

Bondi was further criticised for dismissing several prosecutors involved in sensitive investigations. Her removal is likely to influence the future direction of the Justice Department.

She is the second senior official to leave the administration in recent weeks. Interior Secretary Kristi Noem stepped down in early March.

(reuters, max)