Former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s official portrait ended up in a Justice Department trash can within hours of President Trump firing her Wednesday evening, reflecting deep tensions between the former AG and career department officials.
Portrait Tossed After Abrupt Dismissal
Trump removed Bondi from her position as Attorney General on Wednesday before delivering a speech on Iran. Images circulated showing her framed portrait, previously displayed alongside the President and Vice President in Justice Department offices, discarded unceremoniously in a garbage bin. Current and former Justice Department officials told reporters the swift removal reflected Bondi’s unpopularity among career staff, thousands of whom reportedly left the department rather than follow her directives during her tenure.
The symbolic disposal carries particular weight given Bondi personally removed portraits of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Merrick Garland from department walls shortly after taking office in February 2025. She called their continued display three weeks into Trump’s presidency ridiculous at the time. The reversal of fortune came despite Trump’s public statements praising Bondi’s service and denying any bad blood between them.
Transition To Private Sector Role
Trump announced Bondi would transition to an unspecified private sector position, calling her a great American patriot and loyal friend. He credited her with overseeing a massive crackdown on crime, claiming murders plummeted to their lowest level since 1900 during her tenure. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General while Bondi spends the next month facilitating the transition. Environmental Protection Agency Chief Lee Zeldin reportedly is being considered as Bondi’s permanent replacement.
Bondi Defends DOJ Record
In her statement, Bondi emphasized achievements during her year as Attorney General, including what she described as the lowest murder rate in 125 years, first-ever terrorism convictions against Antifa members, dismantling domestic and transnational gangs, custody of more than 90 cartel figures, and 24 favorable Supreme Court rulings. She called leading Trump’s Justice Department efforts the honor of a lifetime and the most consequential first year in department history. Bondi said she remains grateful for the President’s trust and will continue fighting for Trump and his administration in her new private sector role, which she described as important though details remain undisclosed.
