The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has pushed back against claims that former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s official portrait was discarded in a trash can, after an image showing the same went viral online following her sudden exit from office.
The controversy began after a photo appeared to show Bondi’s framed portrait placed inside a bin at DOJ headquarters. The image gained traction across social media, drawing reactions and fuelling speculation about internal tensions within the department.
DOJ dismisses viral claim
Responding to the reports, the DOJ’s Rapid Response account posted two photos captioned: “Fake News vs. Real News.”
Also Read: Kash Patel, FBI director, next in Trump’s firing line after Pam Bondi: Report
The brief response indicated that Bondi’s photo being thrown into trash might be “fake news” but officials did not clarify or provide any further details on the same.
Bondi’s abrupt exit
Bondi’s departure was announced by Donald Trump on Thursday.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised her as “a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend,” adding that she had overseen a significant drop in crime and would be moving to a private-sector role.
He also confirmed that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche would take over as acting attorney general.
However, the announcement did not specify a reason for her removal.
Her exit comes amid mounting scrutiny over the DOJ’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Also Read: Pam Bondi gets roasted by ‘South Park’ after firing: ‘You’ve got some s–t on your nose’
Bondi reacts to departure
Bondi addressed her exit in a post on X, stating that she would assist in ensuring a smooth transition. “Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche,” she wrote.
She described her time leading the department as “the honor of a lifetime” and said she remained “eternally grateful” to Trump for the opportunity.
With Blanche now serving in an acting capacity, attention is shifting to who may be appointed permanently to lead the DOJ. Reports have floated several potential contenders, including senior administration figures.
