President Trump has not finalized a decision but has floated replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi with Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin, per sources. The move stems from frustration over Bondi’s handling of the Epstein files, which has become a political liability for Trump. Critics argue her leadership at the Justice Department lacks aggressiveness, particularly in prosecuting political adversaries like former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Trump has also criticized her communication skills and perceived inaction, including a social media post in September lamenting the lack of indictments. While Trump has praised Bondi’s loyalty publicly, private complaints persist. The EPA administrator Zeldin, a former New York congressman, has been a loyal Trump ally, known for expediting energy-related approvals.

Trump’s potential ouster of Bondi marks a shift from his second-term hesitation to fire cabinet members, following the smoother removal of Kristi Noem and confirmation of Markwayne Mullin. If replaced, Trump has not yet named a successor, though Zeldin’s energy dominance agenda aligns with his policies. Bondi’s allies cite recent photos of her and Trump at the Supreme Court to counter speculation, while the House Oversight Committee’s pending subpoena for her testimony on the Epstein case adds pressure.

The situation underscores Trump’s balancing act between loyalty and performance in his administration.