Trump Delays Permanent DOJ Chief, Lets Todd Blanche Take Acting Reins After Bondi's Ouster

President Trump has no immediate plans to nominate a permanent attorney general, instead allowing Todd Blanche to settle into his role as acting head of the Justice Department following Pam Bondi's removal last week. Bondi's departure came after Trump grew increasingly frustrated with what he viewed as missteps in cases targeting his political rivals and her stewardship of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and sex offender. The decision to hold off on a permanent pick signals Trump's preference for maintaining flexibility with leadership at the DOJ—a critical agency given its control over prosecutions and investigations. Blanche, who takes the helm as acting attorney general, now has breathing room to establish himself in the role without the immediate pressure of Senate confirmation battles that accompany permanent nominees. The move reflects Trump's broader approach to staffing decisions: keeping trusted figures in acting roles allows him to assess performance and maintain control without committing to permanent appointments that would require congressional approval. This delay also avoids potential confirmation fights in the Senate, where attorney general picks often face intense scrutiny and partisan objections.