Rep. Mace Signals Support for Zeldin as Next AG

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., says she would welcome a leadership change at the Justice Department amid reports that Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, could succeed Pam Bondi as attorney general.

In a social media post, Mace wrote: "If the reports that Lee Zeldin will be replacing Pam Bondi as Attorney General are true – I welcome it."

President Donald Trump fired Bondi on Thursday and wrote on social media that her interim replacement will be Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, The New York Times reported.

Mace criticized Bondi's handling of matters related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"Bondi handled the Epstein Files in a terrible manner and made this situation far worse than it had to be for President Trump," Mace said. "I look forward to a new Attorney General committed to getting justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein."

Much of the backlash against Bondi has focused on her approach to issues tied to Epstein, with critics arguing it lacked transparency and failed to deliver sufficient accountability.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and longtime Trump ally, was initially viewed as a steady choice to lead the Department of Justice. But dissatisfaction had grown among some in the MAGA base who have called for more aggressive action on high-profile investigations.

The Epstein case has become a particular flash point, with some conservatives demanding broader disclosure of documents and more decisive legal action tied to Epstein's network.

Zeldin, the EPA administrator who previously represented New York in Congress, remains a prominent Trump ally and is viewed by some as a potential replacement who could take a more assertive approach.

No official announcement has been made. The speculation highlights ongoing tensions within Republican ranks over leadership and priorities at the Justice Department.

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