Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismissed more than 20 Department of Justice employees linked to investigations involving former President Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol riot, according to multiple reports released over the weekend.
🔍 DOJ Restructuring Targets Trump-Era Investigators
The firings are part of a broader internal overhaul, focusing largely on officials who previously worked under Special Counsel Jack Smith—especially those involved in probes related to Trump’s handling of classified documents and the Capitol riot.
According to Axios, approximately 35 dismissals are now connected to these Trump-related investigations, with an additional 15 to 17 employees still under review for potential termination. Those affected include attorneys, U.S. Marshals, and various support staff from DOJ offices in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Florida. Many of them reportedly volunteered for assignments tied to the Trump cases.
The shake-up is reportedly being led by Bondi’s newly formed “Weaponization Working Group,” a task force charged with identifying DOJ personnel allegedly involved in politically motivated actions during prior investigations.
“Some of these people were burrowed deep, and we’re finding them and making a determination,” a senior administration official told Axios.
🧠Epstein Case Announcement Delayed Firings
The wave of dismissals had reportedly been delayed due to internal discussions surrounding a separate high-profile matter: the Jeffrey Epstein case. Earlier this week, Bondi’s office reaffirmed the 2019 ruling of suicide in Epstein’s death and stated that no so-called “client list” exists—an announcement that disappointed some conservative commentators who had anticipated more revealing findings.
The controversy reportedly led to a tense confrontation between Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a vocal supporter of Epstein-related conspiracy theories. According to CNN, Bongino was notably absent from work on Friday, fueling speculation about a potential resignation. However, no official departure has been confirmed as of Friday afternoon.
🚨 Bondi Signals She’s Staying, Despite Tensions
Despite the turmoil, Bondi has made it clear she has “every intention to stay and serve,” according to Fox News. Her statement came amid growing speculation about Bongino’s future at the FBI.
A viral post from political commentator Eric Daugherty summed up the sentiments of many:
“Bondi MUST reconsider. BONGINO OVER BONDI.”
⚖️ DOJ Leadership Denies “Chaos” Within Agency
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has helped oversee the dismissals, pushed back against claims of internal disorder. He clarified that the effort is not a mass purge, but rather a selective process to align DOJ personnel with the current administration’s direction.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Blanche wrote:
“The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo’s composition and release is patently false.”
📢 What’s Next?
With Bondi remaining at the helm and investigations into DOJ personnel ongoing, the department appears committed to a deep restructuring influenced by Trump-era political priorities. While controversy and speculation continue to swirl, the administration insists its efforts are focused on restoring what it sees as impartiality and integrity within the Justice Department.
Stay tuned for further developments as this high-stakes reorganization unfolds.
