President Donald Trump has considered replacing Attorney General Pam Bondi with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, according to reports.
First reported Wednesday night by The New York Times, Trump has privately discussed the possibility in recent days as frustration grows within the administration over the Justice Department's direction, particularly its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and its pace in pursuing political opponents.
Sources familiar with the discussions told multiple outlets that Trump has not made a final decision, but has floated Zeldin as a potential successor, along with other candidates.
Zeldin, a former New York congressman and longtime Trump ally, is widely seen as a loyal figure who has advanced the president's "energy dominance" agenda at the EPA.
Despite the reports, Trump publicly defended Bondi, calling her "a wonderful person" who is "doing a good job," signaling that any move remains under consideration rather than imminent.
Still, behind the scenes, frustration reportedly has been building for months.
According to the Times, Trump has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Bondi's communication style and what he views as a lack of aggressiveness in targeting political adversaries.
The Epstein controversy has also proven politically sensitive.
Bondi has faced scrutiny over her handling of documents related to the late convicted sex offender and disgraced financier, including conflicting statements about whether a so-called "client list" existed.
The issue has sparked backlash among segments of Trump's base and prompted congressional interest, including a planned deposition before the House Oversight Committee.
CNN reported that internal conversations about replacing Bondi first surfaced earlier this year but have resurfaced as attention around the Epstein case intensified again in recent weeks.
ABC News added that Trump's concerns extend more broadly to the Justice Department's effectiveness in advancing his policy priorities, particularly in holding political opponents accountable.
Bondi, for her part, has sought to align the Justice Department more closely with Trump's agenda, emphasizing loyalty and a willingness to challenge what many conservatives see as entrenched bureaucratic resistance within federal law enforcement agencies.
The president's deliberations come as he has shown a greater willingness in his second term to make personnel changes, following the recent departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
While critics argue that replacing Bondi could raise concerns about politicizing the Justice Department, supporters say stronger leadership may be needed to restore accountability and ensure the department fulfills its mission.
For now, Trump appears to be weighing his options carefully — balancing public support for Bondi with private concerns about performance — as he considers whether a change at the top of the Justice Department would better serve his administration's goals.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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