Fox News reports Trump fired Bondi pre-speech, now eyeing Lee Zeldin for AG

WASHINGTON, DC: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin is being considered by President Donald Trump as a potential replacement for Pam Bondi, according to Fox News on Thursday, April 2.

The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, signals a possible shake-up at the Justice Department, with Zeldin emerging as a key contender for attorney general - a role that would significantly expand his influence within Trump’s administration.

Lee Zeldin's rise from EPA chief to potential attorney general

The focus on Lee Zeldin marks a notable moment in his political trajectory, as he moves from environmental policy into consideration for one of the most powerful legal roles in the country.

A former Republican congressman from New York’s Long Island, Zeldin has long been aligned with Trump and is widely seen as a dependable political ally.

He became New York’s youngest ever attorney back in 2004.

Since becoming Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in January 2025, Zeldin has overseen sweeping changes aimed at reducing the agency’s footprint.

Under his leadership, the EPA is projected to lose more than 3,500 employees by September 2026, over 20% of its workforce through layoffs, buyouts, and early retirements.

Supporters frame this as a push for efficiency, while critics argue it undermines environmental protections.

Zeldin first gained broader national recognition during his 2022 run for governor of New York, where he positioned himself as a strong conservative challenger in a heavily Democratic state.

Though unsuccessful, the campaign elevated his profile and cemented his standing within Republican circles.

His consistent alignment with Trump’s agenda, combined with his willingness to take on contentious policy battles, has helped position him as a serious contender for attorney general.

If selected, Zeldin would move from regulatory leadership into overseeing federal law enforcement - a major shift that reflects the president’s trust in his inner circle.

Report says Trump removed Pam Bondi before national address

Fox News also outlined the circumstances surrounding Pam Bondi’s reported exit, describing it as both sudden and decisive.

According to the report, Trump met Bondi in the Oval Office shortly before delivering a national address. What followed, Fox News says, was immediate.

“One of those sources said that by the time Trump took his place behind the podium for the address, Bondi had already lost her job and was on her way back to Florida,” Fox News reported.

The reported dismissal comes amid mounting criticism over Bondi’s handling of matters related to the Epstein files, which had increasingly drawn scrutiny. 

Although there has been no official confirmation from the White House, the sequence of events described by Fox points to a rapid transition, one that has now placed Zeldin at the center of a potentially major cabinet reshuffle.