Trump fires Pam Bondi after Epstein criticism
Pam Bondi is absent. President Trump has fired the US attorney general following criticism of the Epstein file.
After President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi last week, she is searching for a new director to lead several high-profile investigations, including the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Candidates who have been floated as potential successors to Mr. Bondi include Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and a vocal supporter of Mr. Trump.
Here’s what you need to know about Pirro and her chances of becoming the next attorney general.
Who is Jeanine Pirro?
With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Pirro is one of the most high-profile law enforcement officials in the country. Her career blossomed during her time as Westchester County (New York) District Attorney in the 1990s and 2000s.
Before turning to television, she held political positions, including running for U.S. Senate and New York State Attorney General. Pirro hosted “Judge Jeanine Pirro” on The CW from 2008 to 2011 before hosting “Justice with Judge Jeanine” for 10 years on Fox News.
President Trump appointed Pirro to replace Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in 2025.
Will Jeanine Pirro replace Pam Bondi?
After Mr. Pirro gave a spirited press conference last month in response to news about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, CNN’s chief legal correspondent Paula Reid called the speech an “audition” for Mr. Bondy’s then-current job.
“Jeanine Pirro is great,” President Trump told New York Magazine when asked if he could replace Bondi. “But they’re both great people.”
Pirro has the third-highest chance of becoming the next attorney general, with an 8% chance, according to Calci’s prediction market. She trails only Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin (38%) and Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (31%).
In an interview with New York Magazine, Pirro declined to answer when asked if he would prosecute President Trump “if he shot someone in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue.”
