Pam Bondi's lack of progress in pursuing President Donald Trump's political adversaries likely was "the final straw" for the president before naming a new U.S. attorney general, retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge Andrew Napolitano told Newsmax on Friday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Napolitano said tensions had been building between Trump and Bondi over what he described as a slow pace in pursuing indictments tied to the president's political opponents.
"I think the final straw was the president's frustration at the slow pace of the prosecution of his political adversaries," Napolitano said, pointing to failed or stalled efforts involving figures such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Napolitano explained that the situation highlights a broader constitutional tension between presidential authority and legal constraints.
"On one side of this equation is the Constitution, which says, effectively, the president is the head of the executive branch, and everybody in the executive branch works for the president pursuant to his policies," Napolitano said.
"On the other side of this is the law, which has been enacted by Congress and even by some states, which says there are things lawyers must do, like they can't charge people for felonies without getting a grand jury to indict, and things lawyers may not do.
"And, and so that tension, I think, probably was a little too much for the president to endure."
Trump announced Bondi's departure Thursday, praising her as "a great American patriot and a loyal friend" while confirming that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will step in as acting attorney general.
Bondi's exit comes as she faces mounting scrutiny from Congress over the handling of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee have moved to compel her testimony, with a subpoena expected to remain in place regardless of her employment status.
"I think she will be compelled to testify under oath," Napolitano said, noting that bipartisan pressure — including from some Republicans — will likely ensure her appearance. He added that her testimony will focus on past actions rather than current Justice Department decisions.
The Epstein files have become a flashpoint in Washington, with critics demanding more transparency, even as Republicans argue that significant disclosures only occurred under Trump's leadership.
Looking ahead, attention is now turning to who will permanently lead the Justice Department.
Napolitano described Blanche as a "highly respected" legal figure with experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, though his prior role as Trump's personal lawyer could complicate Senate confirmation.
Still, Napolitano suggested Blanche may bring a more traditional legal approach to the role, including a willingness to push back when evidence does not support prosecution.
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Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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